Wales have major Six Nations hooker concerns with Ryan Elias a fitness doubt for the start of the tournament because of a neck injury.

Wales captain and Ospreys hooker Dewi Lake has already been ruled out for most of the tournament because of a bicep injury and there are growing concerns about Elias’ fitness.

Elias, 30, has not played for Scarlets since the end of November and will miss the Challenge Cup match against Gloucester on Friday, 10 January and is set to be absent for the visit of French side Vannes eight days later.

“He won’t be right this week,” said Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel.

“He has a neck/shoulder issue. He took some part in training today which is good to see but won’t be ready for this week and probably won’t be back next week.”

Wales open their Six Nations campaign against France in Paris on Friday, 31 January with head coach Warren Gatland naming his squad next Monday.

Wales have lost 12 successive internationals with the previous Test victory coming against Georgia in October 2023 in the Rugby World Cup.