A GWENT pharmacy has been helping the Wales rugby team deal with its mounting injury crisis ahead of the nation’s titanic tussle with Australia on Saturday.

Mayberry Pharmacy, who employs 70 workers across seven pharmacies in Gwent, has been patching up props, wingers and everything in-between since the partnership was set up in 2012.

The pharmacy supplies tablets, medicines, injections, sprays, bandages and even rehydration drinks to the doctors and medics working with the nation’s players and staff across all age groups.

Pharmacy staff are also on call out of hours, particularly during international tournaments, so that medics can contact them to see if a particular injection can be sourced from a local hospital.

Unsurprisingly, the pharmacy has been busier than ever with Leigh Halfpenny, Rhys Webb, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, Cory Allen and Hallam Amos all picking up injuries in the past few weeks.

No doubt hearts were in mouths for staff when talisman Dan Biggar limped off towards the end of the Fiji game last week, but no further treatment was required.

Paul Mayberry, whose been the company’s managing director for 21 years, said that while he tries to watch the game as a fan, the team coming through unscathed is his number one concern.

He said: “Most fans are there looking at the players; I’m looking at the medics running on the pitch with their bags and what they’re using.

“I think, these days, everything is very professional. They’ve got the best doctors, the best specialists, the best medics and the best nutritionists.

“They’re constantly monitoring and concerned with their statistics - every possible measurement you can think of. They make sure they’re in tip-top condition.

“I’m just hoping they won’t get any more injuries.”

Having also had a similar partnership with Newport Gwent Dragons and been the onsite pharmacy for the 2010 Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor, Mayberry are used to dealing with big names and big occasions.

However, Mr Mayberry said that he’s particularly proud of the partnership with Wales and the prestige of dealing with Gatland, Warburton et al far outweighs any profits that could be made.

He added: “We’ve got a good relationship with them, the doctors and the medics. It’s fantastic to think that we’re helping to keep the boys on the pitch

“We don’t do it for profitability, we do it to support our teams. As long as we lock after them, I’m sure they will keep coming back."