Wales have been dealt a further injury blow with the news that Tom Shanklin has been ruled out of the entire RBS Six Nations.
Centre requires surgery, hopes to return before the end of season
Wales have been dealt a further injury blow with the news that Tom Shanklin requires knee surgery, ruling him out of the entire RBS Six Nations.
The Cardiff Blues centre was taken off during his side's recent Magners League clash with Aironi and has since been sent for a scan.
The results have revealed that the 31-year-old, who has won 70 caps for his country, needs to go under the knife to solve the problem.
Shanklin will now be out of action until at least the end of March, though it is hoped he will play again before the end of the current campaign.
Confirmation
"Unfortunately, Tom has had a scan and needs another operation on that troublesome knee which will keep him out for three months," said Blues director of rugby Dai Young.
"We sent him for a scan and the medics thought he needed an operation to sort the problem out. The recuperation period is 12 weeks minimum.
"He should be back by the end of March, beginning of April, and has to get fit, so he may feature in some of our games at the end of the season.
"Obviously, I am sure he wants to come back as soon as possible to stake a claim for the World Cup with Wales."
Shanklin's absence for the Six Nations will be a blow for Wales coach Warren Gatland, who was already certain to be without centres Gavin Henson and Andrew Bishop for the start of the tournament.
