The 26-year-old hasn’t featured in Wales’ last two squads under Steve Tandy
Overlooked Wales international Tommy Reffell has been dealt another cruel blow – with an unfortunate training ground incident ruling him out of action for eight weeks.
The Leicester Tigers openside has not been a part of Wales’ last two squads, missing out on selection completely so far under Steve Tandy. That has bemused many, especially given Wales captain Jac Morgan has spent the last four months sidelined with a dislocated shoulder.
The 26-year-old had at least put his Six Nations snub behind him, captaining Leicester to Prem Cup success in recent weeks.
Unfortunately for the 27-cap flanker, he now faces two months sidelined after being caught in the throat by a stray boot.
“We’re gutted to lose Tommy to a very unfortunate injury where a stray boot has hit his throat meaning that he will be out for around 8 weeks,” said Leicester head coach Geoff Parling.
“He has been a real pest to the opposition, and we’ll use this time to firstly get him fit and healthy and secondly get him ready and firing for the end of the season.”
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Reffell had been in fine form for the Welford Road club, crossing for eight tries in 15 appearances this season.
Leicester are able to replace him with a British and Irish Lion, with Scotland international Hamish Watson having joined the club on loan.
“This also presents an opportunity for Hamish to start and show his quality in a Tigers shirt in a full circle moment after leaving our academy 16 years ago.”
The Gallagher Prem club have been boosted by the return of their Six Nations stars for their clash with Bristol this weekend.
Wales duo Nicky Smith and Olly Cracknell start in Sunday’s match, having both featured in the win over Italy last Saturday.
They join new Welsh cap Gabriel Hamer-Webb, who was part of the dominant 66-14 Prem Cup final victory over Exeter Chiefs last weekend, in Leicester’s starting XV.
Parling is also able to call upon England stars Ollie Chessum, Freddie Steward and Jamie Blamire.
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