Positive news over Sanderson setback

Richard Hill has revealed talismanic back row Pat Sanderson will not go under the knife to resolve the shoulder injury suffered at Bristol Rugby – but is still set to miss the rest of the RFU Championship season.

Sanderson was forced off during the second half of the play-off pool victory at the Memorial Stadium amid early fears he could face surgery for a dislocated shoulder and a lengthy six-month spell on the sidelines.

However, Hill has now reported positive news from the treatment room and said the former England international will not need an operation and will instead be fully prepared and fully fit for pre-season ahead of next season.

“Pat is still going to miss the rest of the season, which is a shame, but for him to go through all the trauma of an operation and all the rehabilitation would have been difficult,” said the Worcester Head Coach.

“It now looks like it is not a displaced fracture and it will heal. He will be doing some training in some weeks from now and not months and months.

“There would be nothing worse than to have six months out. Matt Mullan had a dislocation and he has been very patient – but he is a young man. Pat does not need six months out of the game, he wants to keep playing.

“It is a big blow for us because Pat was playing really well for us and really on top form,” added Hill. “He was quite a lynchpin and seven is a key position for us. James Collins has had to do a lot of work in a short space of time to fill that gap.

“Matt Kvesic is also back, although I have given him a few days off to clear his head after all the England success he has had, and when he returns he will have to work very hard to make sure he is also up to speed.”


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