Back injury rules Ken Owens out of Wales' autumn international campaign

Wales will miss the services of hooker Ken Owens for the remainder of the autumn international campaign following a back injury.

Owens was named in the initial squad of Wales by head coach Wayne Pivac and was also part of the line up against New Zealand on 30th October before was withdrawn. He also missed out on the game against South Africa last weekend which his side went on to lose 18-23.

"Ken Owens has been released from the national squad due to a back injury which will prevent him from taking any part in the Autumn Nations Series," read a Welsh Rugby Union statement.

The 34-year-old has featured in 82 Tests for Wales since his international debut in September 2011 and was part of the 2011, 2015 and 2019 World Cup campaigns.

Owens also has featured in five Tests for the British and Irish Lions having been part of the 2017 and 2021 tours of New Zealand and South Africa respectively.

Wales now have lost the opening two matches in the autumn international campaign against New Zealand and South Africa and will have games against Fiji and Australia lined up on 14th and 20th November respectively.

“We could have won that match, it came down to a couple of moments,” said Pivac after the loss against the Springboks.

“We’ve a bit of work to do at the scrum but we matched them across the park and led for periods.

“It is a big step in the right direction, playing the world champions at their own game.

“I thought it was a big pat on the back for their effort.”