Byrne blow for Wales

Down to earth: Byrne to miss South Africa tour

Wales have been dealt another injury blow with the news that Lee Byrne has been ruled out of the forthcoming Test series against South Africa.

The Ospreys' star full-back will undergo keyhole surgery to cure a knee problem and joins the likes of Gavin Henson, Mike Phillips and Alix Popham on the sidelines.

The 27-year-old played in the Ospreys' narrow defeat against Edinburgh in the Magners League on Friday, with club physiotherapist Chris Towers confirming the blow on Saturday.

"Lee has been suffering intermittent pain and swelling of his left knee," he said.

"Although this hasn't been limiting his ability to perform on the rugby field, it had started to impact on certain aspects of his training so in the best interests of Lee, the decision has been taken to use the summer break to deal with the problem by way of surgery to resolve the issue."