Wales will be without 71-cap forward for Six Nations opener

Six Nations: Wales will be without 71-cap forward for Six Nations opener

  • Wales lock Luke Charteris is out of their Six Nations opener
  • No.8 Taulupe Faletau is also struggling for fitness
  • The men in red start their campaign against Italy in Rome on Sunday
Wales will announce their side to face Italy in 48 hours as the 2017 Six Nations campaign begins against Italy on Sunday.

Bath lock Luke Charteris will miss the match after not full recovering from a fracture to his hand.

Forwards coach Robin McBryde said: “Luke Charteris has picked up a slight fracture in his hand so he’s been ruled out of this weekend, but hopefully he’ll be fit for the following week.”


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Charteris’ Bath team-mate, number eight Taulupe Faletau, will also probably not be available.

No.8 Faletau has been deemed not ready to return having been out since Christmas Eve with knee ligament damage

However, McBryde said both players are likely to be fit when Wales host England on Saturday, 11 February.

More to follow.