While Tomos Williams was the first choice for Wales at scrum-half in the 2026 Six Nations, Hardy was cemented as his number two.

He was in the matchday squad for all five games, replacing the Gloucester man in three of them, and was almost certain to feature again when Tandy’s side take on Japan on Saturday, 7 November in Cardiff.

But given his lay-off is likely to be prolonged, not only will the former Scarlets player miss the international games this autumn, but he also appears a serious doubt for next year’s Six Nations.

That may pave the way for Ospreys team-mate Reuben Morgan-Williams, but is also likely to increase calls for Gareth Davies to reverse his international retirement.

The 36-year-old scrum-half sparked a Scarlets comeback from 21-7 down to beat Benetton on Saturday, leading ex-Wales hooker Scott Baldwin to back him to play in next year’s Rugby World Cup.

Davies retired from Test rugby in 2024, having won 77 caps for his country and scored 17 tries.