Triple blow for injury-hit Wales

Wales have lost three more of their Grand Slam stars for next month’s tour of South Africa.

Gavin Henson (ankle) and Mike Phillips (knee) had already been ruled out, but they have now been joined by full-back Lee Byrne, scrum-half Dwayne Peel and flanker Martyn Williams.

And their absences will undoubtedly rock the RBS 6 Nations champions’ hopes of attempting a first victory over the Springboks on South African soil.

Wales tackle the world champions in Bloemfontein on June 7 and Pretoria seven days later.

Williams was though to have sprained his knee during Cardiff Blues’ Magners League win against Connacht in Ireland last night, but a scan has now revealed torn ligaments, which may require surgery.

Peel, who joins Guinness Premiership club Sale this summer, will have a shoulder operation that is likely to sideline him until October.

Byrne, meanwhile, faces keyhole knee surgery, although he is expected to be fit in time for next season.

Wales team physiotherapist Mark Davies said: “Martyn’s scan revealed torn ligaments.

“He is currently in a brace and awaiting further surgical opinion early next week, but the injury rules him out of the summer tour.

“Dwayne has a shoulder problem, which is unstable and in need of repair. Once he undergoes his operation, he will be five months-plus in recovery.

“Gavin has had a successful operation on his ankle and he will begin his rehabilitation in approximately six weeks’ time.”

Assessing Byrne’s injury, Ospreys physio Chris Towers added: “Lee has been suffering intermittent pain and swelling of his left knee due to a cartilage defect of his patella femoral joint.

“Although this hasn’t been limiting his ability to perform on the rugby field, it had started to impact on certain aspects of his training.

“So, in the best interests of Lee, the decision has been taken to use the summer break to deal with the problem by way of arthroscopic surgery to resolve the issue.

“By taking this action at this moment in time, we are ensuring that disruption caused by the injury is kept to a minimum and we are allowing him extra recovery time post-op, which will ensure that he is able to train and prepare properly for the 2008-09 season.”

Wales coach Warren Gatland will oversee a pre-tour training camp in Wexford next week, but he has received some positive injury news with Ospreys centre Sonny Parker being declared fit for the trip.

Parker, who has been suffering from a knee problem, has been cleared to travel tomorrow and he will also be in tour contention.