Wales star Tipuric to miss New Zealand tour

Wales flanker Justin Tipuric will miss his country's tour to New Zealand after suffering a concussion during the recent Six Nations tournament.

Tipuric's club Ospreys said he would undergo "a prolonged three-month period of recovery" following his head injury in the Italy clash last month.

The 26-year-old went off early in Wales' 67-14 win over the Italians and, although he is on the mend, it has been decided not to rush him back into action.

"Justin is recovering well following the concussion suffered playing for Wales against Italy three weeks ago," Ospreys medical performance manager Chris Towers said.

"But in the light of his symptoms, the specialist advice is that it is in his best interests to take his time returning.

"A prolonged three-month period of recovery rules him out of the rest of the season for the Ospreys and the Wales tour to New Zealand.

"The focus for Justin will be on getting healthy and fit, ready for pre-season."

Tipuric, who has won 43 caps and featured on the 2013 British and Irish Lions' tour of Australia, has proved a valuable member of Wales head coach Warren Gatland's squad, whether starting or providing quality back-up for Wales skipper Sam Warburton.

His absence is a blow to Wales, who could also be without Paul James for the three-Test trip, as he faces a lay-off of six to 10 weeks following recent eye surgery.

Cardiff wing Alex Cuthbert had already been ruled out of the June tour while he recovers from a knee operation.

And it has emerged that Toulon full-back Leigh Halfpenny might be a major doubt after a report in France on Monday suggested he has suffered a setback in his recovery from long-term knee trouble.
Source: AFP