Warburton out of Six Nations

Wales flanker Sam Warburton will miss the Six Nations after undergoing surgery to resolve a knee injury.

The openside is currently sidelined with a neck problem and will be out of action for a further four-six months.

Warburton said: "In close consultation with the WRU and Cardiff Blues we decided it would be proactive to have surgery now on a knee injury and I'm looking forward to returning to action fully fit."

After captaining the British and Irish Lions to a 1-1 draw in New Zealand, the 29-year-old has not played since the third Test in July.

He has missed all of the Cardiff Blues’ season and did not feature for Wales during the recent autumn series.

It also means that head coach Warren Gatland will be without another first choice player, with centre Jonathan Davies ruled out of the tournament which starts in February.