Western Force flanker David Pocock will miss at least the next six weeks after rupturing a tendon in the middle finger of his left hand against the Brumbies in the opening round of the season last Friday night.
Pocock sustained the injury in the second half but played out the remainder of the match. Subsequent scans and review by club medical staff, in conjunction with specialists, determined the only course of action to ensure a full recovery was to have the finger permanently set in a splint for the next six weeks.
The nature of the injury means the recently appointed Western Force vice-captain would have been unable to tape the finger and play as no movement through the joint is permitted. Pocock will not undergo surgery as recovery time is comparable with either treatment option.
Fellow front rower Richard Brown has received a similar prognosis in terms of matches on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder against the Brumbies.
Brown has avoided the need for a shoulder reconstruction which would have ruled him out of the entire season however the injury will require a carefully managed rehabilitation programme and review.
The loss of Pocock and Brown adds to a mounting injury list at the club.
The pair join winger Cameron Shepherd who suffered a severe thigh strain in the warm-up to the Brumbies match, fly-half Mark Bartholomeusz, sidelined with nerve irritation in his neck, and marquee signing Andre Pretorius who is out for the season after requiring surgery to reattach a torn hamstring.
"These injuries were unforeseeable and just freakish in nature," said Western Force General Manager of Rugby Mitch Hardy.
"Our medical staff are working overtime to ensure these players are able to get back and perform as soon as possible however it is fair to say that we will be without some quality performers for a significant portion of the season.
"The squad is being tested and the opportunity is now there for our younger and developing players to step-up and fill the breach," said Hardy.
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