Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau has been ruled out of the Six Nations Championship because he needs another operation on his fractured arm.
The 28-year-old sustained the injury playing for his English club Bath last month, a game which marked his comeback from a broken arm.
The British and Irish Lion, who has played more than 70 tests for Wales, had a slim chance of returning for the final Six Nations match at home to Ireland on March 16.
"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 in a statement.
"We will know more in terms of time frames following the surgery."
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Warren Gatland's Wales have won their opening two Six Nations games and next meet Eddie Jones' England, who also secured victories in their first two matches, in a potential title decider at Cardiff on February 23.
