Wales’ faltering defence of their Six Nations title suffered another blow on Tuesday with wing Josh Adams being ruled out of their remaining two matches.

The 24-year-old Cardiff Blues star suffered an ankle injury in last Saturday’s thrilling 27-23 defeat by France.

“Josh Adams will play no further part in the 2020 Six Nations following an ankle injury sustained in the match against France,” read a statement by the Wales Rugby Union (WRU).

“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 PRO14.”

Wayne Pivac’s side have just one victory from their three games thus far. Hopes of a repeat of the Grand Slam were ended by Ireland earlier this month and then their title chances took a hit by les Bleus.

They next play England at Twickenham on Saturday week and round off their campaign against Scotland in Cardiff on March 14.

Adams’ fellow wing George North also left the field during the weekend’s loss but suffered a head injury.

Pivac’s other options out wide are Johnny McNicholl, Jonah Holmes, uncapped Louis Rees-Zammitt and Liam Williams who could return from injury before the end of the tournament.

Wales are presently fourth in the standings, six points adrift of unbeaten France.

Meanwhile, Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb will finish this season at Premiership side Bath the club announced on Tuesday.

Webb, 31, who has 32 caps to his name, left French Top 14 outfit Toulon last month after an acrimonious falling out and is due to re-join his former side Ospreys next term.

Webb has regained his place in the national side for the Six Nations after being given special dispensation as he is well below the 60 cap benchmark.

Whilst he waits to return to the Liberty Stadium there is no such hiatus for his compatriot Liam Williams, who is to join Scarlets with immediate effect from relegated Premiership side Saracens.

Webb joins other Wales internationals Taulupe Faletau, who is part of the Six Nations squad as well as Rhys Priestland and Aled Brew, at Bath, who are battling for a place in the end of season play-offs.

They are a point off Northampton, who occupy the fourth and final play-off spot with half the season to go.

Hooper said Webb’s arrival was a real boost at a critical part of the season.

“We’re very excited to be bringing in international talent to join the group, and to add some depth and quality to our scrum-half position at such a critical time of the year,” he said.

Agencies