What is Rugby?

Wales lock Alun-Wyn Jones is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines © Getty Images.

Rugby is a bruising sport at the best of times. But for the professionals at the elite level, a mix of high intensity, high expectations and rugby ‘culture’ can be a dangerous combination. Following Round 2 of the Six Nations, five players are out for the remainder of the Championship.

Ireland will lose hooker Jerry Flannery to a six week ban for kicking France wing Alexis Palisson in their Six Nations defeat in Paris last weekend, ruling him out of the remainder of the tournament.

Wales will be feeling the pain in the second row also as Alun Wyn Jones will miss 6-12 weeks to recover from an elbow injury sustained in the clash against Scotland.

Flanker Andy Powell is out of Welsh squad indefinitely with an acute case of stupidity.

Finally, Scotland will have to make due without their metronomic kicker and record caps holder Chris Patterson who is on the mend for 10 weeks following a kidney injury.

Patterson’s backline teammate Thom Evans is out indefinitely after a neck injury following a heavy collision with Welsh fullback Lee Byrne. Having undergone emergency surgery, Evans has elected for a second, optional surgery.