Aviva Premiership
Hazell ruled out for six weeks
ESPNscrum Staff
September 22, 2011
Gloucester's Andy Hazell in action, London Irish v Gloucester, Guinness Premiership, Madejski Stadium, Reading, England, September 13, 2009
Hazell's loss will be felt by Gloucester with the likes of Alasdair Strokosch absent at the World Cup © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Andy Hazell | Bryan Redpath
Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Gloucester have suffered a huge blow ahead of their West Country derby with Bath on Saturday with the news that Andy Hazell has been ruled out for six weeks.

The 33-year-old flanker broke his thumb during their opening round defeat to Northampton but played through the pain barrier against Worcester the following weekend. However, after further medical assessment, it has been established that Hazell will need to have pins inserted into his thumb.

Coach Bryan Redpath was understandably upset with losing his flanker. "Hazell's had surgery, he broke his thumb against Northampton but he thought it was alright," Redpath told BBC Gloucestershire. "He played against Worcester, and obviously it wasn't alright.

"It was flapping about so he's had pins put in it so he's out for six weeks - he had surgery on Monday morning. It's a huge loss for us because he drives everything we rely on.

"He's Mr Gloucester, because he's always been here. Credit it to him playing against Worcester - fair play to him."

In Hazell's place came Matt Cox for their 42-6 drubbing to Harlequins last weekend. And he will hope to line-up alongside the likes of Peter Buxton, Brett Deacon and Gareth Evans in the Cherry and White's back-row against Bath at Kingsholm on Saturday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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