CORY Hill's try-scoring heroics against England cost him the chance to be centre stage in Wales' bid for a Grand Slam but the Dragons captain intends to use his injury woe to get in prime shape for the World Cup.

The 27-year-old lock produced one of the key moments in putting Warren Gatland's men within touching distance of a Six Nations clean sweep.

Hill try against England, crashing over after 35 phases at Principality Stadium, earned Wales a lead they didn't let slip, but it came at a cost.

The Dragons captain was chop tackled from the side as he powered over the line and strained his left ankle.

It means that he will be on the sidelines for tomorrow's visit of Ireland rather than being out in the middle bidding for a first Grand Slam.

However, scans revealed that the injury did not need surgery and the 24-times capped forward is now concentrating on bulking up so that he can secure a place in Gatland's squad for Japan 2019.

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"You always think about what is directly in front of you, so there was the disappointment of getting ruled out of the Six Nations," said Hill.

"It wasn't great timing but that's rugby union, we pick up these knocks and scoring against England wasn't a bad way to do it.

"It was gutting but it is a big year and we will have an important summer leading up to the World Cup.

"I hadn't been injured for two-and-a-half years and had a good run of 17 games on the bounce for Wales, which was massive for me and meant I gained a lot of experience.

"Every cloud has a silver lining and doing some weights and conditioning won't be the worst thing leading into the summer.

"Summer tours have meant that I haven't had the chance to put a bit of size on, so I am seeing it as an opportunity to get some upper-body weights done with a big month in the gym.

"The injury wasn't the end of the world – I didn't need an operation – and it means that I will be raring to go if selected for the training camps.

"The rehab is second to none with Wales and Ben (Stirling, head of physiotherapy and medical) at the Dragons will put me through my paces."

The injured ended his championship but the lock has remained in camp to act as a lineout mentor for his replacement Adam Beard.

Hill travelled with the squad to Scotland and will be in Cardiff tomorrow as Wales attempt to beat Ireland and win a first Grand Slam since 2012.

"It's a massive week for us as a squad and it's nice to still be part of it," said Hill, who is unlikely to play for the Dragons again this season. "Hopefully I can help as much as I can off the field to get the boys ready.

"It's disappointing because these are the big games that you want to be part of. I am seeing the build-up, the hard work going in and the emotion of it all while I am on the sidelines and in the gym doing rehab and weights.

"It's gutting but I am sure the boys will go out and do the job. This is a special week and this is a special group to be involved with, but we haven't won anything yet and we know that we have to rise to a big challenge this weekend."