Double injury blow rocks Wales

Wales were tonight dealt a double injury setback ahead of their RBS 6 Nations Championship opener against England in Cardiff.

Flankers Colin Charvis and Martyn Williams look certain to miss the Millennium Stadium clash on February 5.

Newcastle forward Charvis is suffering from a foot problem and faces at least another fortnight on the sidelines. Cardiff Blues skipper Williams, meanwhile, has disc trouble in his neck.

Wales coach Mike Ruddock has drafted Neath-Swansea Ospreys forward Richie Pugh into the Six Nations squad as cover for vice-captain Charvis, with Cardiff’s Robin Sowden-Taylor also called up to train.

Wales have not beaten England in Cardiff since 1993, but the probable loss of Charvis, especially, has dented their victory hopes.