Wales hit by injuries to forward trio

Hooker Gareth Williams has become the third forward who started Wales’ thrilling RBS 6 Nations victory over Scotland last Saturday to be ruled out of next week’s clash against France.

Williams, who has a knee ligament injury, follows flanker Andy Powell and lock Alun-Wyn Jones on to the sidelines.

Powell was dropped from Wales’ Six Nations squad earlier this week after being charged with drink-driving, while Jones underwent an elbow operation yesterday.

Wales have also confirmed that Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees, who has played no part in the tournament due to a groin problem, is another absentee for France’s Cardiff visit, together with prop Gethin Jenkins (calf muscle).