Wales centre Thomas to miss Nations Championship opener
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 18:02 · Archive
Wales centre Ben Thomas will miss the start of the Nations Championship in November with a calf injury.
Wales centre Ben Thomas is sidelined with a calf injury and will miss the opening Nations Championship matches next month, though Cardiff head coach Corniel van Zyl expects him to return later in the tournament. 'I think he'll be able to definitely form part of the Nations Championship, but might not recover for the first or second game,' van Zyl said after Thomas missed Cardiff's United Rugby Championship match against Leinster.
Wales head coach Steve Tandy will name his autumn squad next week for the Nations Championship restart, which begins on 7 November at the Principality Stadium against Japan, followed by home matches against New Zealand and Australia. Thomas, 27, has played 19 internationals for Wales and shares the number 12 role with Joe Hawkins under Tandy's attack model, which favours a playmaking centre.
Tandy must decide whether to include Thomas in his squad or turn to alternative options. Eddie James, who has worn the 13 jersey in seven of the last eight Tests, is being considered for a move to inside centre. In more positive news for Wales, back-row forward Taulupe Faletau is expected to feature before November, though fellow squad member Kieran Hardy will require surgery and face months out.
How it is being reported
- Steve Tandy hit with second Wales injury blow as Cardiff issue Taulupe Faletau updateOne of Wales' regular squad members is set to miss the start of the Nations Championship next monthWalesOnline · 14 Oct, 17:25
- Centre Thomas to miss Nations Championship restartWales centre Ben Thomas is set to miss the Nations Championship restart, but Taulupe Faletau is expected to return before November.BBC Wales · 14 Oct, 17:14
In this story: Ben Thomas · Wales · Steve Tandy · Taulupe Faletau · Cardiff · Japan · New Zealand · Australia
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