Duncan Jones out for six weeks

Duncan Jones, the Welsh and Ospreys loosehead, looks set to miss at least the first three Six Nations matches after breaking his right thumb against Munster on Saturday.

This could well mean that her will miss Wales's matches with England (5 February), Italy (12 February) and France (26 February).

It is not yet known if he will need an operation.

A likely replacement for Duncan Jones in the Welsh team is the Blues' loosehead Gethin Jenkins with Iestyn Thomas a likely replacement on the bench. The Ospreys are likely to bring in Paul James in his place. James replaced Duncan Jones at the 2003 Rugby World Cup when Jones broke a leg against Italy.

Duncan Jones, who is 26, has been capped 17 times for Wales between his debut against the wWllabies in 2001 and the Test against Japan in November 2004.