Corniel van Zyl expects to be without Teddy Williams for “a significant period” as expert orthopaedic opinion is sought on the prognosis and timeframe of his recovery.
The in form second-row suffered the injury in the first-half of last weekend’s BKT United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.
He sustained the blow setting up a driving lineout and was stretchered from the pitch with what was clearly a serious injury to his lower leg.
Van Zyl has clarified the injury sustained was a dislocated foot with orthopaedic specialists now deciding the best course of action.
He said: “Corniel van Zyl expects to be without Teddy Williams for “a significant period” as expert orthopaedic opinion is sough on the prognosis and timeframe of his recovery.
The in form second-row suffered the injury in the first-half of last weekend’s BKT United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.
He sustained the blow setting up a driving lineout and was stretchered from the pitch with what was clearly a serious injury to his lower leg.
Van Zyl has clarified the injury sustained was a dislocated foot with orthopaedic specialists now considering the best course of action.
He said: “We have no idea on his layoff yet. He’s seen two specialists to date and together with our medical team they will formulate a plan of action going forward”
“It’s an uncommon injury and that probably needs a bit more planning…. There’s no timeline to it, but it’s a significant injury, so it won’t be a few weeks. It’ll probably be several months.”
Injury brings opportunities
Van Zyl concedes the loss of Williams is a blow, but it is one that presents opportunity with George Nott pulling on the number five jersey against his former club on Friday night.
He added: “You look at the last 12 months, Teddy’s been a really big part of the team and obviously played a fair amount of minutes and games.
“He’s captained the side on a few occasions, which shows obviously he’s a good leader as well. He thinks about the game and we will definitely miss him for the unforeseen future, but it’s always an opportunity for the next guy to step up.
“It presents an opportunity, particularly for George this weekend. His leadership and his communication is really good in terms of he speaks on the pitch a lot, he speaks in meetings, he doesn’t shy away from that, he takes responsibility
“It’s an odd one that worked out for him to make his first start for Cardiff against Dragons but it’s good for him.”