Shoguns suffer McCarthy blow
October 8, 2002

Bristol Shoguns were dealt a major front-row injury blow - just 24 hours before their England prop Julian White appears before Rugby Football Union disciplinary chiefs.

Hooker Neil McCarthy, capped three times by England while a Gloucester player in 1999 and 2000, faces six months on the sidelines after suffering knee ligament damage.

McCarthy's lengthy absence was confirmed as White prepares for his RFU hearing in Newbury.

White was sent off during the same game that 27-year-old McCarthy sustained a potential season-ending injury - Shoguns' 25-20 Zurich Premiership success against champions Leicester eight days ago.

White's offence - butting Leicester prop Graham Rowntree - could see him land a 20-week ban, which will hamper Bristol's build-up towards their Heineken Cup debut against Leinster in Dublin on Friday night.

McCarthy has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, and also torn the medial cartilage, meaning that he has little chance of playing again before next April, at the earliest.

"It is a miracle that Neil played on for 50 minutes against Leicester," said Bristol coach Peter Thorburn.

"We will certainly miss him, and his hard-nosed attitude in games."

With McCarthy out, Wales Under-21 international Saul Nelson can expect an extended first team run, while Bristol will discover on Tuesday night what punishment awaits White.

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