Wales lock Will Rowlands confirmed he will miss the Six Nations with a shoulder injury.
The Dragons second row is set to return in April after undergoing surgery on the injury sustained during Wales' Autumn Nations clash with Argentina last month.
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Rowlands will be a big miss for his nation, who begin their campaign against Ireland on February 4 before concluding against France six weeks later.
A string of impressive performances in 2022 saw the 31-year-old named player of the year by the Welsh Rugby Writers Association (WRWA).
Nadolig Llawen!pic.twitter.com/MT3QqJ2jyk
— Welsh Rugby Union(@WelshRugbyUnion) December 25, 2022
Nadolig Llawen!pic.twitter.com/MT3QqJ2jyk
— Welsh Rugby Union(@WelshRugbyUnion) December 25, 2022
"The shoulder is OK, It is frustrating, but [the recovery] is just slow and steady," he told the Scrum V Live programme. "Hopefully, I will be involved back in rugby in April time."
Rowlands, who is reportedly set to join French side Racing 92 after leaving the Dragons at the end of this season, is also doubtful for the World Cup in September due to not fulfilling the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) selection criteria.
The policy states players playing their domestic club rugby outside Wales must have earned 60 or more caps to remain eligible for selection, thus rendering the 23-cap lock unavailable to Warren Gatland.
