Habana set for surgery

Editor

Toulon have confirmed Springbok wing Bryan Habana is to undergo an operation on a thigh muscle injury sustained against Exeter Chiefs.

Toulon have confirmed Springbok wing Bryan Habana is to undergo an operation on a thigh muscle injury sustained against Exeter Chiefs.

The World Cup-winning flyer pulled up short clutching his thigh in the first-half of his side's 14-9 Heineken Cup victory over the Chiefs at Sandy Park last Saturday – his Heineken Cup debut.

The initial diagnosis suggested a three-week layoff but Toulon coach Bernard Laporte confirmed Habana would be sidelined for at least two months after surgery next week.

The 30-year-old will miss the return fixture with the Premiership outfit at Stade Felix Mayol on Saturday, and Top14 games against Montpellier and Racing Metro.

Habana is also likely to be unavailable for Toulon's next round of Heineken Cup matches, beginning on 11th January with the visit of Cardiff Blues.

Toulon's former Sharks hooker Craig Burden is expected to be out for a substantial period of time after suffering a torn bicep in the same game while fellow South African Bakkies Botha has been ruled out of this weekend's game after having twelve stitches on a facial injury he sustained in the Heineken Cup clash.