Cardiff Blues: Gethin Jenkins ruled out of Pro12 match against Zebre

Gethin Jenkins will miss Cardiff Blues' opening game of the new Pro 12 against Zebre on Sunday, 7 September.

It is a blow for new coach Mark Hammett who takes charge of his first competitive Blues match at Stadio XXV Aprille.

Loose head Jenkins has a history of similar injuries, and missed the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia because of a calf strain.

"Gethin Jenkins is not available," said Hammett.

"He's had a slight calf injury - I think it's grade one - so we'll just look after him and make sure he's okay."

Jenkins' injury rules out the possibility of an early reunion of the 2009 Lions Test front row of Jenkins, Adam Jones and Matthew Rees.

Tight head Jones joined the Blues from Ospreys on 19 August.

Opponents Zebre finished bottom of the Pro 12 last season, but recorded one of the biggest upsets in the history of the tournament when they won 30-25 at Cardiff Arms Park in September 2013.

And the Italian team completed a double over the Welsh region when they won 15-10 in Parma on 1 March 2014.

VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Blues coach Mark Hammett: "Gethin Jenkins is not available.

"He's had a slight calf injury - I think it's grade one - so we'll just look after him and make sure he's okay.

"We've got a group that's keen to learn. I haven't seen a stone wall or anything like that and change can be really difficult I'm throwing some new stuff out at the management group, the staff and the players but they're been really receptive."

TEAMS

Zebre: TBC

Blues: TBC

Referee: Andrew McMenemy (Scotland)

Assistant referees: Matteo Liperini, Filippo Bertelli (both Italy)

Citing commissioner: Roberto Carra (Italy)

TMO: Stefano Penne (Italy)