Wales scrum-half Kieran Hardy has been ruled out of their remaining Guinness Six Nations games after picking up an injury in his side’s victory over England.
Hardy was one of the standout performers for Wayne Pivac’s men in just his fourth international appearance, orchestrating the attack in the 40-24 triumph in Cardiff.
The 25-year-old also scored the hosts’ third try with a superb, quick-thinking tap penalty which saw him win the award for Guinness Six Nations Try of Round 3.
But the No.9 picked up a hamstring injury in the second half of Wales’ win and will miss his country’s matches with Italy and France as they bid for the Grand Slam.
Kieran Hardy wins Guinness Six Nations Try of Round 3
A statement from the Welsh Rugby Union confirmed he has been released from the squad.
It said: “Kieran has been released from the squad due to a hamstring injury suffered in the game versus England on Saturday. He will continue his rehabilitation back at the Scarlets.”
Fellow scrum-half Tomos Williams suffered a hamstring injury during Wales’ opening Championship win against Ireland last month and has not played since.
But he could be back in the frame for the trip to Rome on March 13 while head coach Wayne Pivac also has Gareth Davies and Lloyd Williams as scrum-half options.
The Wales squad update also said that Aaron Wainwright (Dragons) and Owen Watkin (Ospreys) have been released to their respective regions for action this weekend.
They will link back up with the national squad on Monday.
Analysis: Classy Wales back row helping attack to sing
Wainwright confirmed his commitment to Dragons this week by becoming the latest player to commit his future to the east Wales region, signing a three-year contract extension.
The 23-year-old has made 55 Dragons appearances in addition to his 28 Wales caps and joins fellow international teammate Elliot Dee in staying at Dragons.
“I’m really happy to re-sign,” said Wainwright. “I’m enjoying creating a good environment with the boys here and excited to carry on playing a strong brand of rugby.
“Dean [Ryan] is definitely guiding us in the right direction and I want to be a big part of what he’s doing here.”
