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Six Nations: Wales likely to be without speedster Louis Rees-Zammit

Louis Rees-Zammit looks set to miss Wales’ opening Six Nations fixtures against Ireland and Scotland as he recovers from an ankle injury.

The 21-year-old British and Irish Lions speedster suffered the injury during Gloucester’s loss to Leicester Tigers on Christmas Eve. 

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‘Rough guide’

Gloucester head coach George Skivington provided an injury update on the speedster ahead of the Cherry and Whites’ Champions Cup tie against Leinster.

Skivington explained that Rees-Zammit is progressing on the rehabilitation front, but the early Six Nations fixtures might be too soon for a return. 

“He is doing all right,” Skivington said.

“I think he will be available mid-Six Nations. That is a rough guide and not set in stone, though.”

The 22-Test cap international has already missed two Premiership fixtures for Gloucester and will sit out the Champions Cup matches against Leinster and Bordeaux.

Gatland’s options

Warren Gatland is set to name his first squad of the year next week, and although he is likely to be without Rees-Zammit, who he picked in the 2021 Lions squad, he still has several top talents at his disposal.

Liam Williams and Leigh Halfpenny have both recently returned from injury and are hitting full fitness at the right time. 

Rio Dyer made a try-scoring test debut against the All Blacks last November and could get a look in under the returning head coach. 

Alex Cuthbert is another player who debuted during Gatland’s first tenure as head coach and has been in superb form, earning a recall to the Test set-up, a spot he will aim to retain. While Josh Adams has been in ridiculous form, scoring tries for fun for Cardiff.

The second Warren Gatland-era kicks off with Wales hosting Ireland at the Principality Stadium on February 4, with a trip to Murrayfield following seven days later. 

Wales host England on February 25, with away Tests against Italy and France rounding off their campaign.