Wales great Faletau to miss rest of Cardiff's season

Taulupe Faletau captained Wales against Italy in 2018 [Rex Features] Wales great Taulupe Faletau will miss the rest of the season after suffering a "significant" shoulder injury in Cardiff's defeat by Sharks. The number eight, who is out of contract in the summer, suffered the injury early in the second half of the United Rugby Championship (URC) defeat in Durban last week. The 35-year-old left the field with his right arm in a sling after landing awkwardly following a pass at the end of a strong carry.

"We are just waiting for the consultant to clarify his next steps, but obviously it seems like a significant injury," said Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl. "With the scan and that type of injury I can't see him playing again this season. " Lake injury a blow for Ospreys and worry for Wales Wales hooker Lloyd signs new Cardiff contract Can Cardiff deal with Benetton's Fijian 'machine'?

Faletau has made just seven appearances in 2025-26 because of knee and calf issues before the shoulder blow. Nonetheless, Van Zyl is hopes to agree a deal to keep the Wales and British and Irish Lions forward in Cardiff and admits that management of workload is vital. "It is key and was part of the plan we had, but now unfortunately something different happened which has put us back a step," he said.

Cardiff are stretched in the second row for Saturday's trip to Benetton in the last 16 of the Challenge Cup after losing locks Josh McNally (leg) and George Nott (abdominal muscles) in South Africa. The Blue and Blacks are hopeful that the second-row pair will feature in the URC run-in, while Wales international Teddy Williams is closing in on a return from a foot injury suffered in October. A fit Faletau still 'beneficial' to Wales Taulupe Faletau made his Wales debut against Barbarians in 2011 [Getty Images] Faletau is in the final year of his contract with Cardiff, who he joined from Bath in 2022.