Wales and Cardiff number eight Taulupe Faletau has been ruled out of the first three rounds of the 2026 Six Nations due to a calf injury.

Faletau, 35, suffered a calf injury while playing for Cardiff against Ospreys on 1 January.

The British and Irish Lions’ number eight had only just returned from a knee injury which put him out of Wales’ 2025 autumn internationals.

Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl said: “It’s not clear on his return, but we’re definitely looking at the middle of the Six Nations, into our Leinster game.”

With Cardiff’s match against Leinster coming on February 27th, that would rule Faletau out of Wales’ opener against England on 7 February along with the visits to Cardiff of France and Scotland on the next two weekends.

“That is the target, we will see how it goes,” added van Zyl.

The Wales squad is set to be announced by Steve Tandy next Tuesday, January 20th. With Faletau ruled out, Aaron Wainwright and Olly Cracknell will be assured of their places, with more fringe options such as Morgan Morse, Taine Plumtree, and Ross Moriarty all back into contention for a spot.

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