England and Sale Sharks prop Bevan Rodd has suffered another injury setback.
The loosehead facing up to 12 weeks on the sidelines as he undergoes surgery on a scaphoid [thumb/wrist] injury.
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Rodd’s latest blow comes after the 26-year-old had already endured a difficult period on the injury front, having undergone surgery following a dislocated shoulder suffered against Harlequins in April.
The latest setback is another frustrating chapter for the Sale forward, who has endured three surgeries in the past 13 months.
However, Rodd returned to action in September and was named in Sale’s starting XV for their Premiership opener against Bristol Bears.
Bevan Rodd
Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson confirmed the latest injury, explaining that Rodd had managed to play through the problem before it became clear that surgery was required.
“Bev managed to play 20 minutes with it last week so we didn't think much of it, but it is a scaphoid operation he is having.”
Sanderson added: “Bev is a hard b*****d but has been unlucky. It is likely to be 8-12 weeks, but knowing Bev it will be likely eight, getting back as quick as he can.”
The setback is particularly unfortunate given Rodd had finally been able to enjoy a full pre-season, something he described recently as his first in “probably four or five years” because of international commitments and injuries.
Rodd was born in Dunoon, Scotland, but is an England international and is listed by Sale as English. He came through the English age-grade system before making his senior England debut during the 2021 Autumn internationals.
Bevan Rodd
This puts time pressure on Rodd's return ahead of the Nations Championship Northern Series this coming November.
His latest injury also comes after he missed England’s summer campaign because of the shoulder problem sustained against Harlequins.
That injury was initially expected to keep him out for 12 to 16 weeks, with Rodd subsequently omitted from England’s provisional squad for the summer fixtures.
Rodd’s return to the Sale starting line-up at the beginning of the new Premiership season had therefore represented an important step in his recovery. Instead, he now faces another lengthy rehabilitation period.
Bevan Rodd
The prop has established himself as an important member of Sanderson’s squad since making his Sale debut in 2019, having progressed through the club’s academy after joining from school. He has also earned international recognition, receiving his first England call-up from Eddie Jones in 2021. Sale Sharks
For Sale, the timing represents another challenge to their front-row resources, although Sanderson has plenty of experience to call upon in the position, with Nicky Smith and Tomas Francis among the options available to him.
Rodd will now turn his attention towards another recovery, with Sale hoping the England international can return towards the shorter end of the projected timeframe.
