A groin injury could lead to rugby union player Joe Bearman not playing again this season.

The Newport Gwent Dragons back-row forward aggravated an old abductor muscle injury and said: "It's more of the same sort of trouble, but it looks as though I've ripped the muscle away."

He added that after this latest setback it is impossible to say when he will be fit to play again.

The English-born player has recently qualified to represent Wales and was a potential member of their squad for the Six Nations tournament, which starts next month.

People suffering with a groin injury may find that ultrasound treatment enables them to recover sooner.

The Welsh rugby squad has recently been hit hard by injuries, with players such as Stephen Jones, Alun Wyn Jones, James Hook and Martyn Williams among those whose fitness will concern coach Warren Gatland ahead of the tournament.

Wales play their Six Nations opener against England at Twickenham on February 6th.