Wales' title defence further dented by extent of Williams' injury

Wales’ Six Nations hopes have suffered another blow after the confirmation that back-up out-half Owen Williams has been ruled out of the remainder of the Guinness Six Nations.

The Gloucester player sustained a hamstring injury during the warm-up at Aviva Stadium last Saturday and was replaced on the bench by Jarrod Evans.

Evans went on to play 36 minutes as a second-half replacement for Dan Biggar in the 14-24 round two defeat to Ireland that has left many questioning Wales’ credentials to retain the title now that Wayne Pivac has replaced Warren Gatland.

A Welsh Rugby Union statement on Tuesday afternoon read: “Further assessment has concluded that the injury will rule Williams out of the remainder of Wales' Guinness Six Nations campaign.”

There was better news, though, about the health of winger Josh Adams, who exited the defeat in Dublin after just 25 minutes for Johnny McNicholl. 

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He had shipped a knock to the hip but the WRU have reported that Adams will be back in full training this week.

A number of players in the squad are expected to be released back to their regions for Guinness PRO14 duty next weekend. However, it has been decided to keep the names of those who will be available under wraps until later in the week. 

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