Scans have today revealed Northampton Saints prop Pat Barnard has suffered “bruising” to his back following an incident during the game at Sixways on Saturday. It was first feared the South African had suffered a fracture to his pelvis but an MRI scan revealed soft tissue damage.
Head coach Paul Grayson said: “We are extremely relieved that Pat has only suffered bruising and are grateful to surgeon Nick Birch for seeing Pat so swiftly. We are hopeful the pain will settle down this week and that Pat may be available for selection next week.”
However, centre David Quinlan is likely to miss the next three weeks of action after suffering a ‘stinger’ in his shoulder. He will see a neuro-specialist this week but it is likely rest will resolve the issue.
Full-back Rob Laird will miss the next month of action with a hamstring injury but Robbie Kydd should be available for the game against London Irish on Sunday, November 26, and Luke Myring should be available for Saturday’s game against Saracens.
There are 400 tickets left for Saturday’s game which kicks off at 1pm to accommodate any supporters wishing to watch the England v South Africa game in the bars afterwards.
Chris Budgen will be vice-captain for the Combined Services in a game against the Barbarians being played at Newbury RFC tonight.
