Coach Warren Gatland has delayed his team announcement to give his Byrne the chance to appeal the two-week ban he was handed last week for entering the field as the 16th man in the Ospreys’ Heineken Cup defeat of Leicester Tigers.

Gatland had planned to name his team on Sunday for their RBS 6 Nations opener against England on February 6 but now looks likely to leave it until Thursday.

But Williams believes his Ospreys teammate has been harshly treated.

“At the time I didn't realise what was happening, the game was so quick,” said Williams.

“It seems a tough call. They look for blame somewhere and unfortunately Lee has taken the brunt of it. It's a harsh way to be left out of the England match.

“He will be gutted to miss the first game and Wales will miss him because he has been on top form the last couple of games. But there are a couple of good boys who can play there.”