The 25-year-old, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in Wales' second test against South Africa in June, underwent surgery on the injury last week and is not expected to play for his country or Gloucester until next year.

However, despite the lay-off following spells out for other long-term knee and shoulder problems, the Cardiff-born player is determined to come back.

He told The Citizen: “It's really bad timing, having had a good season with Gloucester and breaking into the Wales side. It never seems to be a niggle with me, it always seems to be something major. This was my third knee op.

“I've had my share of injuries and I didn't think I was due any more but worse things have happened and a lot of boys have suffered from some really bad injuries.

“This is something I can get over and become an even better player.”