Wales block Adam Beard will miss the start of the 2025 Six Nations with a knee injury.

The Ospreys player has been ruled out for three months after picking up the injury in Wales’ 52-20 defeat to Australia.

Beard, 28, will not be fit for Wales’ first two matches, at least against France in Paris and Italy in Rome.

He will also miss the entire block of games for the Ospreys, which includes the start of the European Challenge Cup campaign and the Christmas and New Year derbies.

“He’s been gone for at least three months. It’s a big kick in the teeth because he’s such a big part of what we do, Ospreys head coach Toby Booth said.

“It’s difficult not having him around in Europe, but it gives an opportunity for other guys to step up.

“James Fender is back which is good and Rhys Davies is not too far away so we just have to weather the storm a bit,” added Booth.

Beard was the most experienced player in Wales’ autumn squad but was released back to the Ospreys after the injury saw him limp off after just seven minutes against the Wallabies.