Worcester Warriors boss Mike Ruddock has revealed star full back Chris Latham is set to miss the rest of the season after suffering a serious injury in the derby day victory over Gloucester Rugby.
Warriors tasted success over local rivals Gloucester in front of a packed Sixways Stadium but the joy was tempered afterwards when the full extent of Latham’s injury was revealed.
The former Australian international suffered a dislocated shoulder and broken scapula in a tackle after 14 minutes and was taken to hospital.
Director of Rugby Ruddock admitted it was a cruel blow for the both the club and the Aussie ace but backed his star performer to make a full recovery in time for next season.
“The news over Chris Latham is sadly not very good,” admitted Ruddock. “I’ve had an update from the medical team and they have told me he has a dislocation of the shoulder and a fracture.
“He has fractured the scapula towards the back of the shoulder so it looks like his season is over. But he will be back for next season.
“We will look to use Latham in any way we can and utilise his experience in the short term, while he is out injured.
“But when you talk to Chris he thinks he still has another 20 years of playing ahead of him. He wants to get better and he will be back even better next season.”
Latham was replaced in the game by a fit again Matthew Jones, with Willie Walker switching to full back, and Ruddock was pleased with the return of his fly half.
“The injury to Latham is a real shame and we have had a lot of injuries this season with people like Sam Tuitupou and Matthew Jones out,” added Ruddock.
“Matthew has only just retuned and I put him back on the field before I should have done really as he only had ten or 15 minutes for our A team.
“We are suffering in the backs and have done all season, I had to rush Matthew back but he showed his class at times with some intelligent play.”