Wales flanker Sam Warburton is giving serious thought to a sabbatical that would keep him away from rugby until next season.
The British and Irish Lions captain underwent surgery in September on a long-standing neck injury that ruled him out of Wales entire autumn Test schedule.
“There’s no pressure on me to return to play,” said back-row Warburton.
“The priority is making sure I get my body back to full health to play.
“This is an injury I’ve been battling for three to four years. Once it’s sorted hopefully it will reduce the number of shoulder stingers and nerve problems I’m getting and I can play more frequently.
“People ask me about the Six Nations. It would be difficult to presume you are going to go straight into a Six Nations squad after six or seven months out.
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“I haven’t had that conversation with any of the coaches. When I come back to playing, the idea will be to knuckle down at club level and get my fitness back.
“You can’t go rushing back into the international game, you’ve got to make sure you’re well conditioned, battle-hardened and ready to go at club level first.”