Iwan Stephens has been ruled out of the remainder of the season after suffering an ACL injury in training. 

The in form wing suffered the set-back in training last week and is due to undergo surgery followed by an extensive period of rehabilitation. 

Ed Byrne and and Ben Donnell are also due to be out of action for a number of months following the injuries they suffered in the 31-23 victory over Dragons.

Cardiff Rugby head coach, Matt Sherratt said: “Iwan has done his ACL, which is a tough one. He will be out for the rest of the season. He did it in training Dragons week. It was pretty innocuous which are always the worst ones, he just stepped and heard a pop.  He’s been brilliant so it’s a tough one but he will get back.

“Ed Byrne has a hamstring injury and is going to be some time away and Ben Donnell injured his elbow and is a bit more long-term than we hoped.”

Meanwhile, there was more positive news for Mackenzie Martin, while Taulupe Faletau is also nearing his long-awaited return to action. 

“Mackenzie Martin isn’t long-term. It was just a bump on the shoulder and will be matter of weeks. Toby is not far away, it won’t be this week but it’s on the horizon.” 

Sherratt also provided an update on Rory Jennings, who was taken off due to a head injury, just minutes after coming on last weekend.

He added: “Rory was visibly in trouble so it rightly takes you back a stage in the protocol. He felt fine after the game but initially he was pretty unsteady on his feet. I feel for him a little bit this week as it was a chance for him to have a go.” 

Jennings is progressing well through the World Rugby return to play protocols.