Adam Beard: Ospreys and Wales lock cleared after neck injury concern

Adam Beard made his senior Wales debut against Samoa in June 2017 and is unbeaten in eight Tests

Ospreys lock Adam Beard did not suffer any lasting neck damage at the weekend after X-rays and scans were clear.

He was stretchered off wearing a neck brace less than two minutes into Saturday's Pro14 derby against Cardiff Blues at the Liberty Stadium.

But the 22-year-old was discharged from hospital the same evening.

Beard has become a regular starter for Wales alongside Ospreys colleague Alun Wyn Jones and his fitness will be good news for Wales coach Warren Gatland.

However, there is still concern for Ospreys and Wales prop Rhodri Jones who suffered a dislocated shoulder in that game.

Ospreys confirmed that the 27-year-old will have a scan and meet with a specialist in the early part of this week to determine the extent of the injury.

Gatland also has concerns over Leigh Halfpenny (concussion), James Davies (knee), Nicky Smith (ankle), Dan Lydiate (elbow), Rhys Patchell (hamstring), Jake Ball (shoulder) Ross Moriarty (concussion) and Bradley Davies (knee) for the start of the Six Nations away to France on 1 February.

Bath back-rower Taulupe Faletau has not played since breaking his arm in October, while Liam Williams only returned for Saracens in Friday's defeat against Sale after a six-week break with a hamstring problem.

Scarlets flanker Aaron Shingler will not return until March from a knee injury suffered in May 2018, while Cardiff Blues captain Ellis Jenkins is a long-term casualty.