Wales starlet’s injury recovery suffers setback ahead of the Six Nations

Wales were dealt a blow when their young utility forward utility forward Christ Tshiunza suffered a setback in his rehabilitation from a serious foot injury.

The 22-year-old was last in action on October 28, when he broke his foot while in action for Exeter Chiefs during their 43-0 Premiership victory over Sale Sharks at Sandy Park.

Wales kick off their Six Nations campaign against Scotland at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on February 3, before heading to Twickenham to face England a week later.

Tshiunza, who can pack down at lock or on the flank, has featured regularly for Wales under he guidance of head coach Warren Gatland.

“He has had a little bit of an unfortunate setback,” said Exeter Chiefs’ director of rugby, Rob Baxter.

‘A little bit of swelling’

“In his first session where he was pitch-running and changing direction and putting a little bit more force through the foot, he had a little bit of reaction, a little bit of swelling and a little bit of pain.

“That has settled down very quickly, fortunately, but obviously it means he has to go through that process again.

“He is not far off. He is in that end-stage.

“Broken bones in feet, you have to be pretty careful in that end-stage when you start loading them that you push on as reactions allow, and that is where Christ is.

“He is not far off, but he is not quite there yet.”

Tshiunza was part of Wales’ Rugby World Cup campaign in France last year and featured in their victories against Portugal and Georgia during the pool phase of the competition and their quarter-final loss to Argentina.

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