Wales have suffered a double injury setback ahead of the autumn internationals, with Kieran Hardy and Ryan Woodman both facing surgery and extended periods on the sidelines.
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Ospreys scrum-half Hardy is expected to miss several months after sustaining a serious knee injury during his side’s 38-31 victory over the Dragons last Friday.
The 30-year-old was forced off in the first half at Rodney Parade, with subsequent scans confirming the extent of the damage.
Ospreys transition coach Richard Kelly confirmed to Wales Online that Hardy requires surgery, although his precise recovery timeline will not be known until after the operation.
The 32-cap Wales international had been in contention for Steve Tandy’s autumn squad after featuring throughout the 2026 Six Nations campaign. His recovery period could also put his availability for next year’s Six Nations in doubt.
Meanwhile, Dragons back-row forward Ryan Woodman is set to miss the autumn internationals after suffering a bicep injury that will require surgery on Friday.
The 22-year-old is expected to be sidelined until late December, dealing another blow to Wales’ forward options as Tandy prepares for the international campaign.
Woodman had been pushing for further opportunities at senior international level after previously captaining Wales Under-20s and featuring against the Barbarians in June.
His recovery could allow him to return in time for the Dragons’ festive fixtures, including their derbies against Cardiff on December 19 and 26, although his progress will determine his availability.
Both injuries represent significant setbacks for Wales, with the pair facing crucial rehabilitation periods as they look to return to action.
Wales face Japan on November 7 as Steve Tandy begins his autumn campaign.
Hardy and Woodman now look set to miss the entire international window, leaving the Wales boss with two more selection headaches.
5 QUICK FACTS: KIERAN HARDY
- Started at Pontyberem: Hardy played for his local club from the age of five until he was 16.
- Took a career detour to the Channel Islands: He joined Jersey in 2016, spending two seasons in the Championship before returning to the Scarlets.
- Made his professional debut in 2014: His first appearance for the Scarlets came against Northampton Saints in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.
- Scored on the international stage against England: Hardy marked his first Six Nations start with an impressive individual try against England in 2021.
- Has a famous rugby influence: Growing up, his favourite player was former Wales and Scarlets scrum-half Dwayne Peel, who later worked with him at academy level.
