Wales and Llanelli hooker Robin McBryde will miss the opening matches of this season's Six Nations championship.

The 32-year-old has undergone surgery on a long standing toe problem, and is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks.

He will definitely miss Wales' matches against Italy on 15 February and against England a week later; and the trip to Scotland on 8 March will also probably come too soon.

But Llanelli fans will be hoping McBryde will be back to full fitness for their Heineken Cup quarter-final in early April.

The injury leaves Wales coach Steve Hansen with a limited number of options at hooker.

Pontypridd's Mefin Davies, who shared the hooker's role with McBryde in the November internationals, will step forward as Hansen's clear number one choice.

And Cardiff's Andrew Lewis, converted from a loosehead prop, will probably deputise.

Neath's Barry Williams, who was overlooked for the Autumn internationals, could also be in line for a call-up.

He made his last appearance for Wales in last season's Six Nations loss to Scotland.