Ken Owens: Wales hooker set to miss 2022 Six Nations
- Published
Ken Owens has twice toured with the British and Irish Lions and played in three World Cups for Wales
Wales have been dealt another Six Nations injury blow with hooker Ken Owens ruled out of the tournament because of a back problem.
Owens, 35, missed the 2021 autumn internationals and remains sidelined.
Captain Alun Wyn Jones and Cardiff flanker Josh Navidi will also miss the defence of Wales' title because of shoulder injuries.
Ospreys say Wales duo George North and Justin Tipuric will not be fit for the start of the tournament.
Wales begin the Six Nations campaign against Ireland in Dublin on 5 February.
"He [Owens] has had a procedure. He is doing rehab. I would hope to see him this season. The plan is to get him back playing this season," said Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel.
"With a back [injury], he has got to get moving again. He may make the end of the competition. Hopefully for him, he will. We would like to see him before the end of the season.
"With that sort of injury, it's caution, especially where Ken is in his career. We are not going to be risking anything with him.
"The thing for him is that we get him back on his feet and back in training, when that time is right, and we will see where we are with that."
Scarlets full-back Leigh Halfpenny (knee) will also be absent for the tournament and Dragons flanker Ross Moriarty (shoulder) is battling to be fit.
Wayne Pivac's side will miss Wales' most-capped hooker, with Owens having played 82 internationals and a further five Tests for the British and Irish Lions.
This included a try in the Lions series decider defeat against South Africa in August 2021.
Owens last played on 16 October for Scarlets against Leinster in the United Rugby Championship and pulled out of Wales' opening autumn international against New Zealand two weeks later after initially being selected.
Owens' fellow Scarlets hooker Ryan Elias started all four autumn internationals, while Ulster's Bradley Roberts and Cardiff front-rower Kirby Myhill were awarded first caps with Elliot Dee also appearing.
Scarlets will be hoping Owens will be able to return and play some part in the 2021-22 season.
SLAMMED: The story of Wales’ transformation from rugby rejects to rugby royalty
FA CUP'S BIGGEST SHOCK: Remembering Wrexham's victory against Arsenal 20 years on
