Morgan adds to Welsh woes

"I'm gutted he's out of our Six Nations campaign, but more gutted for Kevin himself," said Mike Ruddock, who coached the Welsh to a Grand Slam last year.

Ruddock must be feeling just a little put-upon, having suffered knock after knock since the start of the season. As well as his back-line absentees, he has resigned himself to defending the championship title without two Lions forwards, the lock Brent Cockbain and No 8 Ryan Jones, who are recovering from injuries.

Morgan has suffered more than his fair share of trauma since breaking into the Test side as a Pontypridd player almost nine years ago. Quick but fragile, the 28-year-old rarely goes through a season without being injured at some point. He does bring something different to the mix, however - he scored a fine try against Ireland on Grand Slam day last spring - and Ruddock will miss him badly.

Meanwhile, the Ospreys will decide over the weekend whether to appeal against the 10-week ban given to Henson for illegal use of the elbow during a bitter Heineken Cup match with Leicester in Swansea 13 days ago. The suspension, imposed by a European Rugby Cup disciplinary panel, effectively rules the centre out of the first four Six Nations fixtures.