Byrne out of Wales autumn Tests

Byrne came off after 51 minutes of Sunday's draw

Lee Byrne has been ruled out of Wales' autumn internationals after suffering ligament damage in his right foot.

The Ospreys full-back, 29, limped off during his side's 32-32 Heineken Cup draw with Leicester on Sunday.

Byrne is expected to be in plaster for six weeks before starting his rehabilitation.

"There is no quick fix and to rush him back would be counter productive in the long term," said Ospreys physio Chris Tower, who also ruled Ian Evans out.

He added that Byrne's injury was "fairly subtle" but would take time because of the ligaments involved.

It appears the injury is not new though - he limped out of the first Lions Test against South Africa in Durban during the summer with a foot problem.

Tower confirmed Wales will also be without lock Evans, who has been sidelined for eight weeks after tearing his pec major tendon in his chest playing for Swansea against Pontypridd.

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Evans, 25, had only just returned from 10 months out with a knee injury.

"Having discussed the injury with a specialist he is provisionally looking at an eight week lay-off, based on our knowledge of previous injuries of this nature," added Tower.

Wales' autumn campaign starts against New Zealand on 7 November followed by games on successive weekends against Samoa, Argentina and Australia.