Williams set for op

British & Irish Lions wing Shane Williams will undergo surgery on Thursday in his battle to overcome a groin injury.

But the Ospreys, Williams’ Welsh regional side, are confident of him being fit in time for their European Cup campaign, which kicks off against Stade Francais on October 23.

"Shane’s minor operation will be extremely straightforward, and we anticipate having him back playing with the Ospreys squad within the next three weeks," said Ospreys manager Derwyn Jones.

The operation is intended to repair ligament damage, with Williams following his Wales, Lions and Ospreys colleague Gavin Henson in requiring groin surgery.

Henson, who had an operation in Germany last week, is confident of regaining full fitness in time for Wales’ autumn Test schedule, which opens on November 5 when Graham Henry’s All Blacks visit the Millennium Stadium.