BATH have confirmed that their Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau suffered a broken arm during last Friday's Gallagher Premiership game against Exeter.

Although no timescale has so far been put on his recovery, it is potentially a major blow for Bath and Wales as he could realistically face a number of weeks sidelined.

Bath kick off their Heineken Champions Cup campaign against Toulouse on Saturday, while Wales' autumn series opener against Scotland is on November 3, followed by appointments with Australia, Tonga and South Africa.

Faletau, 27, went off late in the game during Bath's 39-24 home defeat to the Chiefs.

Bath also face Wasps in the Champions Cup this month before they resume Premiership action by tackling Worcester on November 17.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland, meanwhile, is set to name his autumn Test squad early next week.

And while back-row is one of Wales' strongest areas, the potential loss of a player with 72 caps and who started all three Tests for the British and Irish Lions against New Zealand last year, would be a significant setback.