Wales Medical Report: Issue 2

Wales lock Ian Gough played on after dislocating a finger during the 28-18 RBS Six Nations victory over Scotland at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday. Gough’s finger dislocation was reduced on the pitch by medical staff part-way through the second half of the match and the Dragons second row had an x-ray on the injured hand today (Monday) which revealed no further damage.

Wing Shane Williams and centre Matthew Watkins were both withdrawn during the game with dead legs and these injuries are currently being rested in order to accelerate the healing process.

“Ian’s x-ray has revealed no bony injury, leaving his training programme unaffected this week,” said Wales Team Physiotherapist Mark Davies. “Shane and Matthew both suffered haematoma (dead leg) due to impact on the thigh. They will both rest and restrict their activity cycle this week in order to recuperate. We will monitor their progress throughout the week.”

Meanwhile, on the comeback trail are Ospreys back row Jonathan Thomas (hamstring) and Dragons fly-half Ceri Sweeney (groin).

“Jonathan has now resumed full training and should be fit and available to feature for the Ospreys this weekend,” added Davies. “Ceri has had a tendon problem in his groin, he is making steady progress in respect of his rehab and needs more time to allow this to settle before resuming full training.”

A number of players from the Wales squad will be released to play at regional or club level this weekend; as a consequence and to provide injury cover Blues trio centre Jamie Robinson, wing Rhys Williams and back row Robin Sowden-Taylor have been called in to train with the squad alongside Neath and Wales U21 fly-half James Hook.