Ospreys Number 8 Ryan Jones Out for season

The operation aims to remedy a "core instability in the shoulder" and will take place over the next three weeks. Ryan's rehabilitation is likely to take at least six months, ruling him out of the Ospreys remaining four Heineken Cup Pool 3 games, as well as their defense of the Celtic League and Welsh international action.

Commenting on Ryan's injury Ospreys Rugby Manager Derwyn Jones said, "This is devastating news for Ryan, the Ospreys and Wales. Ryan made a massive impact last season, with his progress culminating on the Lions tour where many observers commented that he was the stand-out player of the tour. It is vital that this procedure is undertaken in order to protect his long term career. We have taken the best possible medical guidance and they have advised that Ryan is best served by undergoing this surgery"

The 24 year old, who has five Heineken Cup caps and one tournament try to his name, received the injury in his first game of the season after his return from New Zealand. His Ospreys teammates will return to Heineken Cup action with back to back games in Rounds 3 and 4 against former champions Leicester Tigers on Sunday, 11 December and Sunday, 18 December.

The Ospreys currently sit bottom of Pool 3 with 4 points from two games, after winning their opener against Stade Francais Paris in the Liberty Stadium.