Jonathan Davies to miss Six Nations after knee surgery

Adam Kyriacou

Wales have been dealt a significant double blow after Jonathan Davies and Rhys Patchell were ruled out for six months and 16 weeks respectively, with both Scarlets stars requiring surgery on injuries.

The international players suffered respective injuries during the recent Rugby World Cup in Japan, a tournament the country finished fourth.

The influential backline pair both face surgery with fly-half Patchell expected to return to action between 12-16 weeks following a shoulder injury.

Davies meanwhile is facing at least six months recovering from knee surgery in a big setback for both the region and also Wayne Pivac’s Wales plans for the Six Nations, with this injury ruling the centre out of the 2020 Championship, a title which the Welsh are looking to defend.

Wales kick-off the Six Nations against Italy on February 1 in Cardiff and wrap up against Scotland at the Principality Stadium on March 14.

Scarlets meanwhile are currently preparing for their European opener against London Irish. Bayonne and Toulon are also in their pool.

They are in second place in PRO14 Conference B after the first six rounds of action, winning five of those matches in a solid opening stage.