Torn hamstring rules Williams out for month

(GETTY IMAGES)

The Wales winger Shane Williams has been ruled out for a minimum of four weeks because of a torn hamstring. Williams was replaced just five minutes into Saturday's 33-12 defeat by Australia in Cardiff and while he does not require surgery, rehabilitation will take at least one month.

The 32-year-old will miss the Ospreys' Heineken Cup double header against Viadana but should return for the crucial Pool Three clashes with Clermont Auvergne and Leicester in mid-January.

The Wales and Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees looks set for an operation to repair the groin injury he sustained against the Wallabies. But the Wales captain Ryan Jones is expected to resume training with the Ospreys this week after recovering from the back injury that forced him to miss the disappointing climax to the autumn.

The Wales team physio Mark Davies said yesterday: "It's unclear at the moment as to the extent of Matthew's problem and we are in consultation with specialists. But it is fair to say there is a strong likelihood that he will be requiring surgery. Ryan will link back up with the Ospreys this week and should be taking some part in training and conditioning but will obviously be managed by his region."

Winger Leigh Halfpenny will continue to receive treatment on his dead leg after joining up with the Barbarians.

The Wales coach, Warren Gatland, said it would be "fantastic" to see Gavin Henson feature again in his Test match plans. The Ospreys centre is on extended leave as he looks to regain full fitness after his latest injury setback. Speculation about whether he will play again has surrounded the 27-year-old, although Henson and Ospreys have denied he could quit the sport. Henson, capped 31 times, has not played for Wales since last season's Six Nations defeat against Ireland.

"I haven't spoken to Gavin, but it would be fantastic to see him come back in," Gatland said. "It's not just his attacking ability, but his defensive qualities as well. He's a big, powerful rugby player. I haven't spoken to the Ospreys in terms of whether he is going to come back, but it would be fantastic for Gavin to come back and be available."