Rebels prop Weeks ruled out for two months

Melbourne based Super Rugby franchise the Rebels have revealed that prop Laurie Weeks has avoided surgery but will be sidelined for six to eight weeks of Super Rugby.

Weeks injured his knee playing against the Hurricanes on Friday and scans have confirmed a fracture of his left tibial plateau.

The news was bitter-sweet for the Club, pleased he had avoided a season-ending injury but also disappointed to lose Laurie for an extended period.

“We call Laurie ‘Mr Rebel’,” Head of Athletic Performance Bryce Cavanagh explained.

“He is a wonderful, positive influence on the group, and his experience is invaluable; we’ll miss that on the field.

“In saying that, Laurie’s positive approach to his Rugby and to demanding the best from himself and the group will see him tackle his rehabilitation with a determined mindset, and we’re looking forward to welcoming him back to the group in the second half of the season.”

Winger Dom Shipperley continues his recovery after fracturing his hand against the Lions in Round Six ahead of a targeted late April return, while fellow outside back Tom Kingston was rested from the Direct Connect Dewar Shield on the weekend after a minor ankle strain; he will be available for selection this week.

Steve Cummins, Jed Gillespie, Keita Inagaki, Sam Jeffries, Tim Metcher and Ben Whittaker all played in the Direct Connect Dewar Shield over the weekend and came through unscathed.

In other injury news Dom Shipperley’s Right Hand Fracture is expected to keep him out for 3-5 weeks.