Belfast Telegraph

Adams injury comes as a major blow for Wales

- BY ANDREW BALDOCK On sidelines: Josh Adams

WALES have suffered an injury hammer blow with wing Josh Adams ruled out of remaining Guinness Six Nations games against England and Scotland.

Adams, who has scored 10 tries in his last 10 Tests, suffered an ankle injury during Wales’ 2723 loss to France.

And the Welsh Rugby Union confirmed he will miss the remainder of the tournament, adding that he is due to have surgery this week and faces nearly three months out.

The WRU said in a statement: “Josh Adams will play no further part in Wales’ 2020 Guinness Six Nations campaign following an ankle injury sustained in the match against France.

“He is due to have surgery this week and it is envisaged that he could return in 12 weeks for the latter stages of the Guinness PRO14.

“No one has been added to the squad.”

It is a major setback for new Wales head coach Wayne Pivac, given Cardiff Blues speedster Adams’ sustained excellence that also saw him finish the World Cup earlier this season as tournament top try-scorer.

He has claimed 14 touchdowns in his 24-cap Test career, including two hat-tricks, and unquestion­ably been Wales’ most potent attacking weapon during the last year.

Adams’ fellow wing George North also went off in the France game, his departure following an aerial collision with opposition centre Gael Fickou.

North then failed a head injury assessment, and he is now set to follow graduated returnto-play protocols.

Johnny McNicholl would be in the running to replace Adams against England and Liam Williams, who has not played since suffering an ankle injury four months ago, could also find himself in the mix as his rehabilita­tion nears completion.

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