Taulupe Faletau and Luke Charteris ruled out of Wales' Six Nations opener to Italy
Wales are hopeful both will be fit for the England game next weekend
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bath forwards Taulupe Faletau and Luke Charteris have both been ruled out of Wales' RBS Six Nations Championship opener against Italy in Rome on Sunday.
Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde confirmed that number eight Faletau, who is recovering from a knee injury, will not be fit in time for the Stadio Olimpico clash.
And McBryde revealed that lock Charteris has a fracture in his hand.
It is thought, though, that both players will be in the selection frame for next week's Principality Stadium appointment with Six Nations title holders England.
Faletau was hurt during Bath's Aviva Premiership game against Wasps on Christmas Eve.
He missed three of Wales' four autumn Tests in November after suffering a knee injury on his Bath debut against Northampton two months previously.
Gloucester's Ross Moriarty will be favourite to wear the number eight shirt against Italy.
Wales boss Rob Howley is due to name his starting line-up on Thursday, with Scarlets lock Jake Ball favourite to partner new team captain Alun Wyn Jones in the second row.
Asked about Faletau at the Wales training base on Tuesday, McBryde said: "He is still progressing. It is still early days. Everything is heading in the right direction there, really.
"(Fit) for this week? No, it will be too early this week."
And on Charteris,
McBryde added: "He has a slight fracture in his hand, so he has been ruled out for this weekend as well. Hopefully, he will be fit for the following week."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments