Wales handed injury blow ahead of Springboks and Wallabies Tests

Wales centre Joe Roberts will be out of action until next season after undergoing an operation on a knee injury.

Scarlets have confirmed that the 23-year-old is one of two players to have recently had surgery, with fellow Wales international Steff Evans also undergoing a procedure on an Achilles injury picked up in the win over Benetton in the United Rugby Championship last week.

There is no indication as to when the winger will return other than the fact that they both face "lengthy spells" out.

Not only does the centre's injury scupper Scarlets coach Dwayne Peel's plans for the rest of the season, but Warren Gatland's too ahead of a clash with world champions South Africa in June and a tour of Australia the following month.

Roberts was used sparingly during the Guinness Six Nations, receiving a surprise call-up to replace George North in the starting XV against France in round four before being omitted for the final game against Italy.

Speaking after the 45-24 loss to France, the two-cap Wales international spoke of the benefits of playing in pressurised matches in an inexperienced Wales team as he aimed to make the squad to face the Wallabies.

“That could be the best thing really, getting chucked in at the deep end sometimes," he said.

“It’s sink or swim, really. Boys will be forced to perform.

“There is a lot of rugby to come, so hopefully I can get myself on that summer tour (to Australia) and get a bit more experience in this jersey. That is what this group needs as a whole.

“We need experienced players out there internationally, and come the end of the year there could be (new) boys with 10-plus caps in most positions.

“I fully back ourselves to put in performances and get wins. I have no doubt about that with this group.”