Lydiate will not play again this season

Dan Lydiate will undergo surgery this week on the bicep injury he suffered in the New Year’s Eve win at the Dragons.

The flanker left the field during the first half at Rodney Parade and will now miss the remainder of the season.

Chris Towers, Medical Performance Manager, confirmed:

“After speaking to consultants and seeking specialist opinion, the decision has been taken in Dan’s best interests to undergo surgery. That process will take place this week, ruling him out of consideration for the rest of the current season.”

This is the worst-case scenario for Lydiate, with defence coach Brad Davis aware last week that an operation would leave him out of action anywhere from 12 to 16 weeks.

“We’ll know a lot more when he has had his scan and the medics can plan the best way forward for him,” Davis said.

“Hopefully it is not as serious as it could be. It’s absolutely gutting for him because since he’s come back he’s been a rock in the back row.”

“He gives you that physicality that you need, especially without the ball, so he is definitely going to be a loss for us.”

The news is a huge blow for Wales with captain Sam Warburton and fellow forward Taulupe Faletau already ruled out of the Six Nations, while Hallam Amos remains a doubt.

Wales kick off their campaign against Scotland in Cardiff on February 3.