Liam Williams to miss Wales' Six Nations opener against Italy

Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has confirmed that fullback Liam Williams will miss the upcoming Six Nations opening game against Italy to be played at Principality Stadium on 1st February.

The 28-year-old has not played a game since his returning from the World Cup with an ankle injury and even though Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said Williams is expected to be fit for the tournament opener, Pivac confirmed that he is certain to miss the game against Franco Smith's men.

"Liam is on for round two of the competition, he won't make the first game," Pivac said at the launch event of the Six Nations.

Nevertheless, Wales is expected to be boosted by the availability of wing Louis Rees-Zammit, who sustained an ankle injury while playing for Glouocester.

"Louis has worked well with the medical team and he'll be back training this morning," added Pivac.

"He'll go back to his club this weekend and we'll get him back next week".

Following the game against Italy, Wales will lock horns with Ireland in the second round of the tournament at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on 8th February.