Sowden-Taylor out of Wales tour

Sowden-Taylor expects to return to training in July or August

Blues and Wales open-side flanker Robin Sowden-Taylor has joined Ospreys and Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips in being ruled out for the rest of the season.

The 25-year-old faces reconstructive surgery next week on a shoulder injury from the 35-17 loss to the Scarlets.

Scarlets prop Deacon Manu was suspended for two weeks for a tackle on Sowden-Taylor during the game.

The five-cap flanker misses next week's Heineken Cup quarter-final in Toulouse and Wales' tour of South Africa.

606: DEBATE How big a loss is this to Wales and the Blues?

"Robin has damaged the ligaments in his acromio-clavicular joint, which is a small joint which connects to his main shoulder joint," said Blues physiotherapist Tim Atter, who expects the player back in full-contact training in July or August.

Sowden-Taylor, who missed most of last season with a serious ankle injury, is seen as one of the favourites to succeed Blues team-mate Martyn Williams in the Wales seven jersey.

But Williams has boosted Wales by declaring his desire to make the two-Test June tour of South Africa.

I feel good, I'm fresh enough and, physically and mentally, I feel great Martyn Williams on Wales' summer tour

"I had had a very casual chat with [Wales coach] Warren Gatland where he asked me how I was feeling and whether I fancied going on tour," said the 81-cap 32-year-old.

"I said if you want to take me I will definitely go and we just left it at that really.

"I didn't think I would be going, but by all accounts from when I spoke to him he is keen to take me - and I'm keen to go."

"I feel good, I'm fresh enough and, physically and mentally, I feel great.

"It has been a long year, what with the World Cup, but I have been fortunate that I've not had to play week-in, week-out for the Blues because Robin has been there.

"At this moment, I feel fine. It is a long season, but we are managed pretty well and the tour will only be a couple of weeks - and just two games."