Ryan: Dewald's absence is tough - The Worcester Observer

Ryan: Dewald's absence is tough

Worcester Editorial 16th Mar, 2016 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

DIRECTOR of rugby Dean Ryan has admitted losing new Springbok Dewald Potgieter for the remainder of the season is ‘tough’.

The South African international suffered a shoulder injury in the recent win against Newcastle Falcons and underwent surgery on Friday, ruling him out of the crucial tail end of Warriors’ Aviva Premiership campaign.

The 28-year-old back row arrived at Sixways from Japan in February, making his first appearance against Bath and playing key roles in the games against Sale Sharks and Northampton Saints.

Before picking up the injury following a tackle, Dewald scored what turned out to be the decisive try in a vital win against Newcastle.




“I feel for Dewald because coming in and playing just four games is really tough on him,” said Ryan.

“I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet, he’s got so much more to give, but he’s here long term and it’s just a fact of life. It’s tough but we’ve all got to deal with it.


“I’ve had a long conversation with him as I have a huge amount of time for him as a person and I don’t want to lose that just because he’s lost his currency of playing.

“It’s a big challenge for him now to keep contributing what we know he can offer in leadership, but without actually being able to play.”

Although losing Potgieter opens a vacancy in back row, Ryan believes there are plenty of hungry candidates ready to fill the Springbok’s shoes.

“It’s not our strongest area and we’ve already lost Sam Lewis and Marco Mama, but we’ve still got Matt Cox, Sam Betty and Carl Kirwan and if there is to be any further issues we have really strong youngsters like Huw Taylor and Sam Smith to step up,” he added.

Subscribe

Receive a weekly update to your inbox by signing up to our weekly newsletter.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Worcester Observer newspaper.

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more.

Public Notices

View and download all of the public notices in the Worcester Observer.