Cardiff Rugby can confirm Mason Grady suffered an AC joint injury during the pre-season victory over Richmond FC and has undergone surgery.

The Wales international will now begin his rehabilitation process, with the aim of a return to action in the second block of fixtures after autumn.

Fellow three-quarter Elijah Evans faces a similar time frame on the sidelines after fracturing his thumb in the same fixture. 

Wales back-row James Botham is also targeting a return to action in the club’s second block of fixtures after undergoing knee surgery during the off-season.

Theo Cabango and Iwan Stephens both continue their rehabilitation programmes from long term injuries (hamstring and knee respectively), while Matty Young will miss the opening weeks of the season with an ankle injury.

Stef Emanuel has begun his return to play protocols following a head injury in Saturday’s victory over Leinster.