Wales scrum-half Kieran Hardy faces a race to be fit for next year’s World Cup in Australia.

Hardy, 30, has had surgery this week after suffering a serious knee injury in the United Rugby Championship (URC) victory against Dragons at Rodney Parade.

Ospreys head coach Mark Jones has confirmed Hardy will miss the rest of the season but hopes he can be fit in time for the World Cup which starts in October 2027.

“It is a serious knee injury which has needed surgery, which tells you its extent,” said Jones.

“It was a major ligament of the knee and he has got some other bits and pieces that needed rectifying as well.

“We are definitely not going to see him this season, we just hope he has a good rehabilitation, there are no kinks in the road and everything goes to plan.

“We will be crossing everything that he is around for the start of the next season and his availability with the World Cup on the horizon.”

Hardy has been a regular Wales deputy for Tomos Williams, while Ospreys team-mate Reuben Morgan-Williams and the uncapped Dragons number nine Che Hope have also been named in Steve Tandy’s side for the Nations Championship in November.

Hardy has never played a World Cup game but was called up to the squad in the tournament in France as injury cover in 2023.

“That will be his target but you have to go with the speed the body lets you,” said Jones.

“You have to have goals when you are out for a lengthy period and what better target than playing for your country at a World Cup.

“That is an awesome goal that will keep him on track. He is a great professional and he will apply himself.

“It is a huge carrot, and until somebody tells him that is not achievable, that is what he will be going for.”