Taulupe Faletau discovers his fate as latest injury setback revealed

Wales forward Taulupe Faletau’s season is over as Cardiff Rugby have confirmed that the powerhouse number eight has sustained yet another injury setback.

The 33-year-old British and Irish Lion made his return for Cardiff last weekend after a six-month injury lay-off.

However, his comeback game lasted just 30 minutes before he was forced off the pitch through injury, with Cardiff defeated 19-17 by Ulster in the United Rugby Championship.

Taulupe Faletau sidelined

Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt confirmed that Faletau will miss the remainder of the season after fracturing his shoulder in the clash.

“An exact timeline has not yet been indicated but the Wales and British & Irish Lions star will hopefully be back at the beginning of next season,” a club statement confirming the news read.

This injury is just another setback for Faletau, who missed the latter stages of Wales’ World Cup campaign and the 2024 Six Nations and could now miss the upcoming Test matches against South Africa and Australia.

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“Toby has fractured his shoulder,” said Sherratt. “He had a scan on Sunday and then another on Monday.

“I can’t give you a timeline on it, but it’s obviously ruled him out for the rest of the season. There’s nothing structurally around ligaments, but a fracture has been found.

“The good news on it is it’s not something they think at the moment needs surgery. It’s not complicated or needing to be pinned or anything.

“It’s something that will heal on its own. Unfortunately, he’ll miss the rest of the season but will hopefully be out there the start of next season.”

If the 104-time Wales international is unable to feature during the upcoming internationals, Warren Gatland is likely to turn to Aaron Wainwright to fill the number eight jersey as he did in all five Six Nations matches this year.

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Wales’ June/July fixtures

Saturday, June 22 – South Africa v Wales (Twickenham Stadium, London)
Saturday, July 6 – Australia v Wales (Allianz Stadium, Sydney)
Saturday, July 13 – Australia v Wales (AAMI Park, Melbourne)
Friday, July 19 – Queensland Reds v Wales (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)

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