Faletau and Charteris to miss Wales' opener

Bath forwards Taulupe Faletau and Luke Charteris have both been ruled out of Wales' 6 Nations Championship opener against Italy after failing to recover in time from knee and hand injuries respectively.

Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde confirmed the news, saying: "It’s too early for Faletau this week.

"There’s good competition in the back row. We’re in a healthy place at the moment. Whoever gets the nod, I’m sure he’ll perform on the day. Faletau will be in contention for England."