Northampton Saints will be without two of their three first team scrum-halves for this weekend’s game against Bristol Rugby. Mark Robinson left the field during Monday’s game against Worcester suffering with a knee injury. He should return to fitness for the following weekend’s Heineken Cup fixture against Border Reivers. Ian Vass slipped over in training ahead of the Worcester game and is likely to be out of action for a further three to four weeks with a hamstring injury.
It has also been confirmed that centre Rhodri Davies will miss the rest of the season with the same pelvis injury that kept him out of most of last season.
David Gerard will also miss Sunday’s game at the Memorial Stadium (KO 3pm) with chickenpox.
However, both Bruce Reihana and Jon Clarke will begin running and skills training next week alongside Stephen Myler and Luke Myring, who are recovering from knee and back injuries respectively.
Medical manager Cliff Eaton said: “Overall, our injury statistics show that we have managed to continue to reduce the frequency of injuries across the squad. The problem this year has been that nearly all our injuries have occurred in the backs. This uncommon problem means that the coaches, whose recruitment strategy is to provide cover in all positions, are having to consider all options including playing people out of position.
“It is obviously positive news that we are starting to see players starting their end-stage rehab and it is hoped that this will provide a lift to the squad and supporters alike.”
