Paul Bailey's hand injury adds to Plymouth Albion's woes
PLYMOUTH Albion have suffered another blow in the build-up to tomorrow night's game against London Scottish with news that experienced utility back Paul Bailey has broken his hand.
Bailey, who has played centre, wing, full-back and fly-half for Albion this season, is now facing two months out of the game.
-
The injury, sustained during last week's match against Jersey, requires surgery.
The setback follows on from the news that Exeter have recalled England Under-20 internationals Henry Slade, Jack Arnott and Luke Cowan-Dickie from their dual-registered spells at Albion this week for their LV=Cup match against London Welsh.
BUY ONE GET ONE FREE - Medium Cod, Chips & Mushy Peas at...
View details
Simply Purchase a Medium Cod, Chips and Mushy Peas and receive another portion for FREE.
Sustainable Cod, Fresh Cut Chips & Proper Mushy Peas.
Visit Our Website for more information and offers
Terms: Offer valid only with this Voucher, 1 voucher Per Customer. Not for use with any other offer, Not transferable to other menu items
Contact: 01752 421044
Valid until: Thursday, June 27 2013
Albion are also without Canadian internationals Aaron Carpenter and Brett Beukeboom.
"Paul Bailey has fractured his hand," Albion coach Nat Saumi told Herald Sport.
"He did it last week but he does not know how he did it.
"He is having an operation and it is likely he will be out for six to eight weeks."
Saumi added: "It is a big loss, but we have to get on with it.
"We are lucky we have Rhodri McAtee who can cover those roles Paul covered. Hopefully, Rhodri will stay fit for the time being."
Bailey's injury and Slade's Exeter recall leaves Albion with no back-up fly-half cover for tomorrow night's game.
Saumi said: "We have still got Freddie Gabbitass on board, but he has been tied up with university work. He'll start training again next week.
"Hopefully, though, Henry Slade will go all right in the LV=Cup, but we are likely to lose him again for internationals."
Saumi was already looking for extra cover at full-back after losing Louis Messer for most of the season with a serious knee injury.
And he admits also losing Bailey had increased his need to find cover.
"It has to be done," said Saumi. "I have been looking around and, hopefully, sometime soon I will get someone on board."
ALBION MAKE EIGHT CHANGES – SEE PAGE 52
Comments