Ospreys and Wales rugby star Jonathan Thomas will definitely miss the autumn test series after undergoing surgery last Friday.

Local lad Thomas has had a troublesome groin injury all season, but it was decided that the flanker needed surgery to rectify the problem.

Jonathan played an instrumental role in the back row in Wales’ brilliant Grand Slam last season, and it is important he returns to action with the Ospreys by early December.

Thomas is ‘gutted’ that he won’t have the opportunity to face Southern Hemisphere sides such as world champions South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

However, it’s important that he gets himself fit before the start of the 2009 RBS Six Nations campaign, which begins early next year.

There’s also a distinct possibility, if he recaptures his form quickly, that he could be selected for the British and Irish Lions, who tour South Africa next summer. Ospreys’ physio Chris Towers said: “Jonathan has been suffering from a gradually worsening groin injury which, until now, hasn’t stopped him playing.

“Having assessed his condition a decision was made to refer him to a specialist who has identified the need for surgery. Jonathan is looking at a possible six week lay-off.”