Cardiff Blues have confirmed that their club captain Gethin Jenkins has undergone surgery and could be out of action for up to three months.

The 36-year-old prop, Wales' most capped player with 129 appearances, ruptured his bicep in the home defeat to Ulster and underwent surgery this week. It means he is almost certain to miss the start of the RBS 6 Nations Championship, which kicks off for Wales in Rome on Sunday, 5 February.

Wales then face England in Cardiff six days later before heading to Edinburgh to meet Scotland at BT Saturday, 25 February. Rob Howley's side then host Ireland on a Friday night at the Principality Stadium on 10 March before completing their series in Paris against France on 18 March.

"Gethin has had surgery on a ruptured bicep, which mean he will be out for three months. Knowing hi, he will be back before that because he's one of the most professional players around," said Cardiff Blues head coach Danny Wilson.

"It's a big blow for us and for Wales given the form that he is in. His performances for Wales have been of a high standard and that's why he has had an eye on proving that he still has the ability to be considered for the highest of honours again."

Jenkins led Wales to victory over South Africa last month and was hoping to extend his 14-year Welsh international career in the New Year. He has already featured in 14 championships dating back to 2003 and is the world's most capped prop with 134 Tests to his name for Wales and the British & Irish Lions.

Luckily for Howley, the Scarlets loose head prop Rob Evans is now back to full fitness after recovering from wrist surgery. Ospreys lose head Nicky Smith also featured in the autumn, along with Jenkins' Blues understudy Rhys Gill.