Luke Charteris injury a big loss for Wales, says Dafydd Jones

Ex-international Dafydd Jones says the loss of Luke Charteris is a further blow to Wales ahead of the Six Nations.

Lock Charteris will miss the Six Nations after he ruptured medial knee ligaments during Perpignan's clash against Montpellier.

With doubts over fellow locks Ian Evans and Alun Wyn Jones, Jones says Wales face a selection headache.

"We have got options but it isn't ideal we've lost three of our first choices and that's a big blow," he said.

"Luke Charteris is a big man. He's got so much to offer and is going to be a big loss.

"Obviously we've got Bradley Davies, we've got Ryan Jones also and young Lou Reed as well.

"They're [the Welsh selectors] going to be busy now over the Christmas period looking at who is in form and I wouldn't be surprised if someone had another chance."

Alun Wyn Jones is currently sidelined with shoulder trouble while Ospreys team-mate Ian Evans has a knee injury.

Interim coach Rob Howley will also be without fly-half Rhys Priestland and prop Aaron Jarvis for Wales' Six Nations defence which starts Ireland in Cardiff on 2 February.

Injuries hampered Wales during the recent autumn series and prop Adam Jones and flanker Dan Lydiate were ruled out of games against Argentina, Samoa, New Zealand and Australia.

Jones has recently started his comeback with the Ospreys but Cardiff Blues backs Jamie Roberts and Leigh Halfpenny are both currently out.

There are also fitness doubts over hooker Ken Owens, flanker Aaron Shingler and props Craig Mitchell and Rhodri Jones.

Ex-Scarlets back-row Dafydd Jones says Wales will have a point to prove following a disappointing autumn series which saw them lose all four Test matches.

"We've got a lot to prove," Jones added. "Obviously the Welsh regions aren't at their best at the moment and we need to be working hard in the run up to the Six Nations.

"We've got three away games and we've got to be consistent throughout but we need to start the tournament well by winning."