Wales hopeful Byrne will face England

Wales remain hopeful that Lee Byrne will be available for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations opener against England at Twickenham.

Full-back Byrne is currently banned following his brief illegal appearance as a 16th player during the Ospreys' Heineken Cup victory over Leicester, but he has appealed the suspension, with a hearing taking place in Glasgow on Tuesday.

"I think we will know by Tuesday where we are as regards to whether Lee can play or not," said Wales' assistant coach Shaun Edwards. "We are sure he will get a fair and proper hearing, and obviously we will go along with whatever adjudication they come out with. I think a lot of people are hopeful Lee will play a part in the game."

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has delayed his team announcement, which he had planned to make on Sunday, pending the outcome of Byrne's appeal.

If the British and Irish Lions star loses his appeal, then James Hook looks set to retain the number 15 shirt he wore during Wales' autumn Tests this season.

Byrne last week admitted a misconduct charge, while the Ospreys were fined 25,000 euros.