Six Nations 2023: Hooker Dewi Lake pulls out of Wales' Six Nations squad
- Published
Dewi Lake was injured during Ospreys' dramatic win at Leicester Tigers last Friday
Wales hooker Dewi Lake has withdrawn from the Six Nations squad and been replaced by Ospreys team-mate Scott Baldwin.
Lake has been ruled out because of a knee injury with no timeframe given on his return by the Welsh Rugby Union.
The 23-year-old limped off in the opening period of Ospreys' Heineken Champions Cup win at Leicester Tigers.
Baldwin returns after last playing for Wales in 2017.
The 34-year-old made his debut in 2013 and has played 34 internationals.
When asked about Lake's fitness at the Six Nations launch on Monday, head coach Warren Gatland said: "Dewi is probably going to be injured.
"It's disappointing for him. If you are are going to get an injury it is probably the best time to get it now.
"Hopefully then he recovers in time to potentially be selected later on in the year."
Gatland named Scarlets hooker Ken Owens as Wales' Six Nations captain for a campaign which begins against Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday, 4 February.
Dragons' Bradley Roberts is the other hooker in the Wales squad.
Lake was also named in Wales' autumn squad, but missed the series which spelled the end of Wayne Pivac's coaching reign after he picked up a shoulder injury.
Dragons hooker Elliot Dee, Sam Parry of Ospreys and Scarlets' Ryan Elias are currently injured.
Ospreys head coach Toby Booth said after the win against Leicester: "Dewi is a tough boy so if he leaves the pitch it is probably not great.
"We are just hoping he is back as soon as possible, especially with his Welsh hat on as well.
"It was a knee injury, it got bent backwards, and we just have to hope it is one of those things that recovers quickly.
"He is abrasive and we play a collision sport, and the attributes he has are cherished by any coach and he has made improvements at set-piece.
"He is a young player finding his way, and finding his way very well."
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