Achilles injury: Rhys Priestland
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Wales and Scarlets fly-half Rhys Priestland has been ruled out for six months with a ruptured achilles tendon.
Priestland underwent surgery on Tuesday morning and will now miss next year's Six Nations.
The fly-half was stretchered off in the Heineken Cup match against Exeter Chiefs on Saturday after 63 minutes, after returning to action with his region following a difficult November International period with Wales.
Perpignan star James Hook and Ospreys fly-half Dan Biggar are now in contention to start for Wales in February, with Cardiff Blues back Rhys Patchell also in the frame.
"I think it was fairly straightforward given that the snap was halfway up his achilles," Easterby told WalesOnline.
"It used to take nine or 10 months for a player to come back from this injury but some can get back after six months these days.
"Rhys will have his targets and will want to push himself but we must be clear he can't come back before he is ready.
"Unfortunately it means Rhys will miss most of the season which is obviously a big blow for him.
"He had recovered from a couple of poor performances in Wales' early autumn games. He played well against Australia and was playing well for us last weekend before he got injured."
Comments
kenttaff says...
@armchairgeneral dont know about henson i have been wondering myself why he hasnt featured lately
Posted 10:21 13th December 2012
jontheref says...
Forgot to add, agree with melkdave (must be the Christmas spirit!), hope Priestland comes back fit, and back to his RWC performance.
Posted 08:35 13th December 2012
jontheref says...
Local paper bigging up Biggar for 6N.
If he gets the nod over Hook, shows Hook has the indian sign on him from Howlers.
Biggar is good, but not our best 10.
I was expecting a dark cold winter, hope I have something to smile about come end of 6N.
No game is given for Wales this season, and our usual grandslam followed by low placing is very much in the cards.
Then back to Grandslam for 2013-14!
Live in hope!
Posted 15:44 12th December 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
@Kentaff: was thinking the same. Then a good 6 nations and perhaps... Henson in for the Lions. Not seen him for Welsh exiles recently though. Is he injured?
Posted 14:34 12th December 2012
Lucasrg says...
I whish him a speedy recover...Achille's tendon is harsh.
AT the same time, Wales inho need a better 10 so...it could be good to try different players.
Posted 20:00 11th December 2012
melkdave says...
Ouch ,thats along time out,but it might be a blessing in disguise as far as Wales are concerned .He now can get a long rest from the game,and hopefull come back refreshed and in form.Of course his going to miss the Lions tour,but imo,he wasnt going anyway,with his lack of form and confidance this season.So heal quickly,and comeback better and stronger than before Rhys ready for the 2013/14 season
Posted 17:17 11th December 2012
carpelone says...
ouch.
Posted 16:04 11th December 2012
kenttaff says...
in you come Mr Henson.......
Posted 15:16 11th December 2012
jamesliveinhope says...
Is anyone going to look at the Welsh sicklist and challenge the benefits of cryogenic chambers. As far as I can see (not being a medical expert) its just about pain masking to enable players to train harder through the pain caused by fatigue/stiffness etc.
Trouble is, if its masking something more sinister then you are going to see lots of long term injuries and Wales (as evidence by a couple of recent results) are not blessed with a great deal of depth at the moment.
Not sure whether Priestland was the best option for Wales but I see that Roberts has gone down as well, 6 weeks before a 6 nations campaign
Posted 15:01 11th December 2012
TVaddict says...
No lions for him then, always sad to see players injured for such large time spans.
Posted 13:17 11th December 2012
Frooschman says...
If it is six months that's probably his Lions chances up in smoke as well!
Posted 12:33 11th December 2012