Ospreys pair could be a worry for Wales

WALES Six Nations hopeful Owen Watkin suffered neck and head injuries during Ospreys’ 29-28 triumph over Cardiff Blues in the Guinness PRO14.

The 21-year-old centre, who made his Test debut off the bench versus Australia last November and started against Georgia a week later, was stretchered off after being laid out late in a thrilling encounter in Swansea.

Play was held up for a number of minutes at the Liberty Stadium as Watkin received treatment before being gently placed on a stretcher and taken to its medical room for assessment.

“Owen pressed his head and neck a little bit but, hopefully, he’s okay,” said Ospreys coach Steve Tandy.

“He will probably go to hospital for a check-up because, at the end of the day, you don’t want to take any chances around the neck and head area.

“I popped into the medical room to see Owen and had a chat with him. He was talking away but was a little shaken by what had happened.

“I think he took the ball into contact off a line-out and received a couple of shots.”

Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones also departed early, having landed heavily on his head after tumbling out of a line-out during the second half.

Jones received treatment and returned to the boilerhouse. However, he only lasted a few minutes longer before heading for the tunnel.

“Alun had a HIA (head injury assessment). Medical staff looked back at the video footage and decided to bring him off,” said Tandy.

“It was nasty how he came down but I think he’s ok for going up against the European champions Saracens in the Champions Cup at the Liberty next weekend.”