WALES flanker Dan Lydiate’s Lions hopes are over after he was ruled out of the rest of the season by a serious knee injury.

Lydiate's regional team the Ospreys confirmed that Lydiate suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage during Wales' victory over South Africa in Cardiff last Saturday.

The Ospreys say the former Newport Gwent Dragons back row forward will not play again this term. Wales kick off their Six Nations campaign against Italy in Rome on February 5.

It also puts paid to his hopes of making the British and Irish Lions squad to tour New Zealand next summer.

The 28-year-old, who has won 60 caps, featured in all three Tests when the 2013 Lions took on Australia.

In a statement, the Ospreys said: "Dan Lydiate has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage in Wales' final autumn fixture against South Africa.

"Following consultation, it has been confirmed that surgery is required, as a result of which he will not play again until next season."

Lydiate has been a mainstay in the Wales back-row under head coach Warren Gatland, forging a powerful breakaway unit alongside Sam Warburton and Taulupe Faletau.

Wales, though, would appear to have sufficient cover, with skipper Warburton an option at blindside flanker, along with Gloucester's Ross Moriarty.

It is the second major injury blow that Lydiate has suffered this year.

He captained Wales against England at Twickenham in May, but was laid low by a shoulder problem during that game which ruled him out of Wales' subsequent three-Test tour to New Zealand.