News

Warriors suffer fly-half blow

November 24 2008

Worcester Warriors have confirmed that fly-half Matthew Jones will be ruled out of competitive action for several weeks after suffering a stress fracture to his right foot.

Jones limped out of the Guinness Premiership clash with Newcastle Falcons on Friday after 23 minutes and was later sent for an X-ray.

Medical staff at Sixways have now revealed the former Wales international has suffered an injury to his fifth metatarsal in his right foot and faces between four to six weeks on the sidelines.

Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock admitted the injury was a blow to the 24-year-old, who has been in sparkling form for Warriors since his summer arrival at Sixways.

Jones had scored 89 points in eleven games for the club this season, including a try against Harlequins in October.

"We're disappointed to hear of Matthew's injury," said Ruddock.

"He has made a big impact in a short space of time at the club.

"He has been told that he could be out for between four to six weeks with a stress fracture. However, we are hoping that Matthew can defy medical opinion and get back for the next round of Guinness Premiership fixtures after our break for the European Challenge Cup."

Meanwhile, in-form full-back Chris Latham will undergo a scan on his left leg on Monday after being forced off late in the game with the Falcons.

The club expect to know the full outcome of the scan on the former Australian international later in the week.

Elsewhere in the competition, Bath centre Alex Crockett is set to be sidelined for three weeks after injuring his hamstring in their 28-28 draw with Northampton.

"I said after last week's game just how important he is to the squad," said coach Steve Meehan, speaking to BBC Radio Bristol.

"He's a difficult guy to replace but fortunately we have enough good players here to step into his shoes and help develop our plan.

"Next week we expect Michael Claassens and Nick Abendanon to be back so that helps as well."