Wales centre James Hook could miss the two-Test tour of New Zealand in June after it was revealed he needed surgery to address a long-standing shoulder problem.

Wales boss Warren Gatland has to decide whether Hook should have his operation before the June tour or afterwards, which could see him miss out on a series of home Tests in November.

"He will be out of action for between three and five months, and we have to consider whether he should be operated on before or after the New Zealand tour," said Gatland.

Wales will announce their squad in the middle of next month and Gatland confirmed he would not be considering Cardiff Blues centre Tom Shanklin, who is recovering from knee surgery.

The coach is also debating whether or not to rest Blues flanker Martyn Williams, but will otherwise take his strongest available squad to New Zealand.

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