Blow for Wales as Lee Byrne is ruled out for three matches

Wales and Lions full-back Lee Byrne will miss the opening three Tests of next month's autumn campaign against Australia, South Africa and Fiji.

Ospreys star Byrne fractured the third metacarpal in his right hand during Sunday's Magners League clash against Glasgow at Firhill which the Scots won 31-23.

The Welsh Rugby Union say Byrne has "an outside chance" of being available for Wales' autumn finale against New Zealand on 27 November.

Cardiff Blues back Chris Czekaj has been called into the squad as a replacement for Byrne, while Scarlets back-row forward Rob McCusker has been withdrawn from the squad so that he may undergo a hernia operation.

Meanwhile, Saracens are hopeful they can complete a deal to sign unsettled Wales centre Gavin Henson. The 28-year-old two-time Grand Slam winner and former Lion trained with the London club yesterday during a break from taking part in the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing show. "He's an amazing talent who can do a couple of things things ordinary players don't do," Saracens chief Edward Griffiths told BBC Sport. Asked about the potential risks of signing an often controversial figure, Griffiths added "The risk is low even though he hasn't played for 18 months. There are not many teams who would not want him.

"There's a risk when you cross the road. Gavin is a world-class player so the risk is pretty low."