Sidelined.

Wales boss Wayne Pivac will once again be without the services of Liam Williams for this weekend’s Round 2 Six Nations clash with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, having already lost the services of flanker Josh Navidi this month.

The talented fullback has been sidelined since the Rugby World Cup in Japan but was originally expected to be back in time for the early rounds of the Six Nations.  But a return for the 28-year-old now looks unlikely until rounds four or five next month, when Wales take on England at Twickenham then host Scotland.

Leigh Halfpenny now looks set to continue at fullback this weekend with Josh Adams on one wing and George North potentially shifting back onto the wing having started in the centre against Italy on Sunday.

Nick Tompkins impressed off the bench against the Italians with an excellent solo try and could be rewarded with a start in the centre in place of North.

“Liam’s struggling a bit at the moment,” said Wales defence coach Byron Hayward.

“It (Saturday’s game) is a little bit early for Liam. We are possibly looking at the fourth or fifth games in the championship.

“But look at all the positives – the boys all worked well last weekend (against Italy).

“Leigh Halfpenny had a great game last weekend at full-back, though it would be nice to get Liam back, obviously.”

There is better news elsewhere for Wales though, with centre Owen Watkin, scrum-half Gareth Davies and hooker Elliot Dee all back in training following recent injuries.