Rate it!

0 votes

Ospreys flanker Jonathan Thomas will miss Wales' autumn internationals due to a groin injury that requires surgery.

Thomas, a member of Wales' Grand Slam success in the last Six Nations, will also miss the Ospreys' crucial Heineken Cup clash with Perpignan on Saturday.

The 46-times capped flanker is booked in for an operation on Friday and is likely to be sidelined for six weeks, thereby missing the November internationals with South Africa, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

He will also miss the Ospreys' final two Anglo-Welsh Cup group games.

Ospreys physiotherapist Chris Towers said: "Jonathan has been suffering from a gradually worsening groin injury which, up until now, hasn't stopped him playing.

"Having assessed his condition on Wednesday, a decision was made to refer him to a specialist - who has today identified the need for surgery.

"Jonathan will undergo an operation on Friday and is looking at a possible six-week lay-off."

The injury comes as a further blow to the Ospreys, who are also without centre pairing Sonny Parker, who is injured, and Gavin Henson, who is serving a two-match ban for disciplinary reasons.

Scotland international wing Nikki Walker is also sidelined with a broken hand while Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips has yet to return from a long-term knee injury.

The Ospreys lost 12-6 at Leicester last weekend and cannot afford to go down at home to Perpignan if they are to reach the knock-out stages of the Heineken Cup.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport