Wales Tom Shakin Could Be At the End of His Career

The Wales and Cardiff Blues Player Recovering from January’s Knee Surgery

Those hoping that Tom Shanklin would be returning to the Welsh National Rugby Union Team in 2011 will be disappointed to hear that the centre has told supporters he will not be playing this season.  It means that those witnessing Wales take on rivals as part of the World Cup, the Six Nations tournament or the Autumn Internationals will witness someone else in his place.

According to BBC Sport Shanklin was only due to be out of commission during the three months following his knee surgery, which was carried out in January, but he has been forced to pull out of the whole season instead. It means that the Welsh team will have to do without their most-capped centre, who was also forced to pull out of competitions in 2009 due to surgery on his shoulder.

Shanklin, who also plays for the Cardiff Blues, made his debut ten years ago in that year’s Six Nations Tournament when Wales took on France, with appearances as part of London Welsh over the years as well. But, in the years since, those with sports tickets have witnessed him take to the field where he has played some impressive games and accumulated a wealth of memorable performances.

Shanklin had discovered his knee-injury in January having competed with Wales as part of the recent Autumn Internationals, with scans showing the extent of problem and forcing him to undergo surgery.

The Welsh National Rugby Union Team play in a number of tournaments throughout the year, with the Six Nations being the best known annual example. However, 2011 will also see them compete in the Rugby World Cup, which means Shanlin’s injury could not have come at a worse time.

The Six Nations Rugby Union Championships takes place, with Wales competing alongisde England, France, Italy, Ireland and Scotland, from Friday 4th February 2011  to Saturday 19th March 2011. The Autumn Internationals will then take place towards the end of the year.