Wales and British Lions centre Jonathan Davies has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, ruling him out of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

 

The 27-year-old, who has played 48 times for Wales, suffered the injury for his club side Clermont Auvergne against Montpellier and will undergo surgery in the coming days.

 

This is a huge blow for Davies and Wales; the world class centre played his youth rugby with Whitland RFC and went on to play regional rugby with the Scarlets for many seasons before moving to France.

 

The timing of this career threatening injury is far from perfect for Gatland, as he will have to look for another partner for Jamie Roberts; the obvious choice is another Whitland product Scott Williams, who has had a brilliant season with the Scarlets. Others vying for the vacant jersey alongside Roberts are youngsters Tyler Morgan, Cory Allen and Jack Dixon who will all also be in the frame to take over.

 

There is plenty of support on social media for Davies to make a speedy recovery.

Bristol RFC coach Sean Holley tweeted: “Devastated for you pal. Stay strong.”

BBC commentator Phil Steele tweeted: “Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery from knee injury.”

 

The Welsh Rugby Union and Clermont medical teams have been in constant dialogue and Davies is likely to be unavailable for 6-7months.

 

Wales head coach Warren Gatland said: “It’s a disappointment for Jonathan and for us, but the advice is for him to have the surgery straight away.  Obviously the injury rules him out of the 2015 Rugby World Cup but our focus is his long term career and we will be working closely with him during his recovery looking towards the 2016 RBS 6 Nations."