Isaia Toeava suffers injury setback

Clermont were dealt a blow after it was revealed that utility back Isaia Toeava is set to be sidelined for six months after suffering a shoulder injury.

Toeava, who played in 37 Tests for the All Blacks between 2005 and 2011, sustained the injury during Clermont’s 49-24 Challenge Cup victory over the Dragons at Stade Marcel-Michelin at the weekend.

“The Clermont back underwent medical examinations this afternoon which revealed a rupture of the rotator cuff of his left shoulder,” said Clermont on their official website.

“It will be operated on at the end of the week.”

The 2011 World Cup winner played at full-back against the Dragons but he was forced off the field after 10 minutes.

Toeava’s spell on the sidelines is the latest setback for Les Jaunards, who also lost the services of Fijian-born wing Alivereti Raka and France prop Rabah Slimani to injury recently.

Raka missed the Dragons clash due to a wrist injury and Slimani injured his calf in training last week.