Wales are facing a serious shortage of hookers ahead of the Six Nations, with Ryan Elias and captain Dewi Lake both battling injuries.
Wales face major concerns at hooker for the upcoming Six Nations tournament with Ryan Elias a doubt due to a neck injury. Captain and Ospreys hooker Dewi Lake has already been ruled out for most of the tournament following a bicep injury. Elias, 30, hasn't played for Scarlets since the end of November and will miss their Challenge Cup matches against Gloucester and Vannes. 'He has a neck/shoulder issue,' said a Scarlets spokesperson.
'He took some part in training today which is good to see but won't be ready for this week and probably won't be back next week.' Wales kick off their Six Nations campaign against France in Paris on January 31st, with head coach Warren Gatland naming his squad the following Monday. Wales have suffered 12 consecutive international defeats, their last victory coming against Georgia in the Rugby World Cup in October. Lake started Wales' three autumn Test losses against Fiji, Australia and South Africa in November, with Elias coming off the bench. Other options for Wales include Evan Lloyd, Elliot Dee, Liam Belcher, Efan Daniel, Dafydd Hughes and Brodie Coghlan, while Exeter's Jack Innard could also be considered
WALES SIX NATIONS HOOKER INJURY RUGBY
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