WALES number eight Taulupe Faletau has undergone surgery to his broken right arm that rules him out of the remainder of the Guinness Six Nations, writes Iwan Gabe Davies.

It had been hoped Faletau would return for the final two rounds against Scotland and Ireland but Warren Gatland must complete the tournament without the powerful Bath star.

The fracture to his arm was incurred against Wasps in January when he was making his comeback from a similar injury to his forearm sustained in October. “We’re gutted for Taulupe but this is the best course of action for him moving forwards as a player,” Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder said.

“We will know more in terms of time frames following the surgery but we’re looking forward to welcoming him back into the squad.”

Offsetting Faletau’s absence is the news that Leigh Halfpenny is available to line-up against England after being given the all-clear from concussion.