Watkin set to miss start of Six Nations, Anscombe has second knee operation

Wales centre Owen Watkin is set to miss part of the Six Nations at least after undergoing surgery on a torn knee cartilage.

Watkin, who featured in six of his country’s seven games at the recent Rugby World Cup, was hurt in the Ospreys’ home Champions Cup defeat to Racing 92 on December 7.

In a statement on Saturday, his club confirmed he is set to be out of action for up to eight weeks.

As such, he is on course to miss Wales’ opening Six Nations fixtures against Italy and Ireland, on February 1 and 8 respectively, while he may also struggle to be ready for the clash with France on February 22.

The Ospreys also provided an update on Gareth Anscombe, who missed the World Cup after suffering a serious knee injury in a warm-up match against England in August.

“Gareth has undergone a second procedure to his right knee this week,” read a statement.

“As a result of Gareth’s progress plateauing in the last month, and in conjunction with Gareth and his specialist, it was decided that a secondary minor procedure would be in his best interest, with the aim to allow him to progress and accelerate his rehabilitation in the new year.

“Surgery went well and at this stage we’re ruling nothing out with regard to a possible return towards the end of the season.

“However, we’ll be in a better position to clarify a realistic prognosis in the new year when he goes back to see the specialist.”

KEO.co.za News wire is powered by opta