WALES' autumn Test plans have been dealt a huge blow with the loss of their British and Lions scrum-half Mike Phillips.

Phillips, a star performer during the Lions' gripping Test series against world champions South Africa this summer, faces up to 12 weeks out because of ligament damage.

He limped off before half-time in the Ospreys' 25-24 Heineken Cup victory over French side Clermont Auvergne two days ago, and is set to undergo further tests this week.

Wales coach Warren Gatland is already without Phillips' fellow Lions Lee Byrne (foot) and Adam Jones (shoulder) for the autumn Tests that start against New Zealand on November 7.