Wales and Dragons full-back Kevin Morgan will miss the RBS Six Nations Championship visit to France after suffering a broken jaw against Scotland at Murrayfield last weekend.

Morgan, who left the field with a blood injury in the second half of Wales' defeat to the Scots, has had two separate X-rays on his mouth, the second of which showed a break.

It is the latest blow for a player who has been plagued by injuries in recent years, but who was one of the few bright sparks of Wales' campaign to date.

The 29-year-old made several try-saving tackles against the Irish in the defeat at the Millennium Stadium and looked one of the most threatening players that Wales possessed at Murrayfield, despite the lack of possession.

And it could have a big impact on the Dragons, with the European quarter-final with Brive looming on March 31.

Team physiotherapist Mark Davies said: "Kevin was reviewed by a dentist back in Wales on Monday following a further X-ray and then referred to a facial surgeon who identified a fracture within his jaw bone.

"For best management and with the aim of achieving the earliest return to action it has been decided that Kevin will undergo an operation.

"He will not be available to face France and his availability for the rest of the Championship is uncertain, but we are not ruling out a return at this stage."

Davies also revealed Ospreys No 8 Ryan Jones will not train this week and is facing a race to return to full-contact training by next Monday.

But the squad is boosted by the news that a scan on Jones' regional team-mate James Hook has revealed limited damage.

Shane Williams (side-strain) and former squad member Lee Byrne (knee) have been dubbed fit to play for the Ospreys, as Wales release 15 squad members to domestic rugby action this weekend, although Gareth Delve (ankle) needs a further week's recovery.

"Ryan suffered a calf strain and although his recovery has been substantial in the last couple of days we will not know until the end of the week whether he will be able to take a full part in training ahead of our visit to France," said Davies.

"James (Hook) had a scan to his knee which revealed no structural problem.

"He has suffered a bleed from his thigh into the back of his knee which will mean he will take no part in training this week, but the prospects of him rejoining next Monday are high.

"Gareth Delve, who has been out with an ankle problem, will miss any action this weekend but hopes to take a full part with us next week. Shane Williams and long term injury victim Lee Byrne have both been given the all clear to play."

Head coach Gareth Jenkins will release almost half his squad, including Williams, back to their regions and clubs this weekend to further assess form.

Jenkins is heading out to Ulster to watch their match with the Dragons this Friday night and kicking coach Neil Jenkins will report back to camp from the Scarlets match in Glasgow.

The Wales management team will also be heavily represented at the Ospreys' clash with Connacht, although attack coach Nigel Davies, defence coach Rowland Phillips and set-piece coach Robin McBryde will remain in camp for training sessions with non-released players.

"Some of these players are in need of rugby matches and will relish the chance to turn out for their regions and show their form," said Jenkins.

"We have always said as coaches that the door is never shut on any player and we will be watching all the regions and relevant English premiership matches this weekend with great interest."