Wing Jones joins Wales casualties

Jones will be out for at least two weeks

Mark Jones is likely to join Lee Byrne in missing Wales' Six Nations opener against Ireland on 4 February.

The Scarlets wing damaged ankle ligaments in Saturday's win over Ulster and will miss at least two weeks.

Ospreys full-back Lee Byrne will be out for four-to-eight weeks and will certainly miss Ireland and Scotland.

The 26-year-old injured his knee in the first half of the 22-22 draw with Stade Francais, and suffered further damage to his ligaments by trying to play on.

"It's a big blow for us and for Wales," Ospreys backs coach Sean Holley told BBC Sport Wales.

"But Stefan Terblanche is an able deputy for Saturday's game at Sale Sharks."

It's only a minor ankle sprain so hopefully Mark will figure in the internationals for Wales at some stage Scarlets coach Phil Davies

Wales learnt on the weekend that they are likely to lose Ospreys centre Sonny Parker to a groin injury for the Six Nations, joining regional team-mate Ian Evans (shoulder) on the sidelines.

Shoulder injuries could also count against Robert Sidoli and Jonathan Thomas, although both should be back in club action before the visit of tournament favourites Ireland to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, Sidoli facing Bourgoin on Saturday.

Centre Tom Shanklin is also expected to be fit from a leg injury in plenty of time, although he misses out against Bourgoin.

Jones, Wales' first choice number 14 in the autumn internationals, is confident of playing some part in the competition.

"It's premature to write off my chances of playing in the Six Nations and I'm desperate to get back to playing," he said.

Scarlets director of rugby Phil Davies added: "We are monitoring the situation very closely.

"We are hoping that Mark will be back in action in a couple of weeks time.

"It's a real pity because he was beginning to hit some real top form.

"It's only a minor ankle sprain so hopefully he will figure in the internationals for Wales at some stage."

Wales' Six Nations squad will be announced on Monday, 22 January.

Watch here for details, and listen to BBC Radio Wales and Radio Cymru.