Wales loose forward Christ Tshiunza has been forced into isolation after contracting Covid-19.

Tshiunza returned a positive test on Monday, making him an immediate doubt for Wales’ tournament opener against Ireland on 5 February.

“After returning a positive lateral flow test on Monday’s entry screening, he immediately went into isolation,” the Welsh Rugby Union said in a statement on Tuesday.

“A subsequent PCR test taken on Monday confirmed the result. He will now isolate as per government guidelines.”

The 20-year-old Tshiunza, who plays for Exeter in the English Premiership, made his Test debut for Wales against Fiji last November and would have been in contention to feature in their Six Nations opener against Ireland given Wales’ lack of available players at blindside flank. 

But this latest health setback now looks set to deny him any minutes in their first Six Nations match.

Wales are already without Alun Wyn Jones, Elliott Dee, Ken Owens, Taulupe Faletau, Dan Lydiate, Josh Macleod, Josh Navidi, Justin Tipuric, Johnny Williams, George North and Leigh Halfpenny – all unavailable for selection due to injury.