Six Nations 2013: Wales captain Ryan Jones to miss grand slam decider against England

The sides meet in Cardiff with both teams capable of winning title

Ryan Jones (GETTY IMAGES)

Wales captain Ryan Jones was today ruled out of the RBS 6 Nations title decider against England in Cardiff.

Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde confirmed at the press conference that flanker Jones will miss Saturday's clash due to a shoulder injury.

Jones, who has skippered Wales a record 32 times, went off early in the second half of the weekend's game against Scotland at Murrayfield.

McBryde said: "Ryan is not going to be available. He has broken a bone in his shoulder and he is now under the management of the Ospreys.

"It looks as though he will be out for six to eight weeks."

Jones returned from Edinburgh on Sunday with his right arm in a sling, so today's announcement by McBryde came as no surprise.

Jones' back-row colleague Sam Warburton, who led Wales to the Six Nations title and Grand Slam last season, is now expected to regain leadership duties against England.

Justin Tipuric is likely to gain a call-up to openside flanker, with Warburton wearing the number six shirt.

But the loss of Jones is a blow. He most recently took over the captaincy when Warburton was injured for the France game in Paris last month and then promptly led Wales to successive away victories over Les Bleus, Italy and Scotland.

Wales need to beat England by seven points or more to retain Six Nations silverware, but an England win would give them their first Grand Slam since 2003.

PA