Rugby:Wales flanker Dan Lydiate could miss the rest of the season after breaking his ankle playing for the Newport-Gwent Dragons against Edinburgh on Friday night, jeopardising his chances of making the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia next year.
The 24-year-old, who was named the Six Nations player of the tournament earlier this year as Wales swept to another Grand Slam, hobbled off after three minutes of the Dragons' 32-12 home win in the Pro 12 league.
“Sadly Dan has been taken to hospital after breaking and dislocating his ankle and will undergo surgery on Sunday morning,” confirmed Dragons team manager Rob Beale after the win. “It’s a serious injury that requires surgery and he will be out for some time.”
The Dragons did not say how long the tough tackling flanker will be out of action for but the severity of the injury means he is highly unlikely to play in the November and December Tests against New Zealand, Australia, Argentina and Samoa or the Six Nations, which starts in February.
Lydiate, who has 27 Welsh caps, was expected to earn one of the highly competitive backrow places for next June’s 10-match Lions tour, which features three Tests against the Wallabies.
Wales coach Warren Gatland will take charge of the Lions and is expected to name his squad in April or May.
“It’s a huge blow for him and for us. I don’t know the time scale yet or how long he will be out. Let’s just hope he still has a chance to achieve his goals,” Dragons head coach Darren Edwards said.
