Groin injury likely to sideline Scarlets' Anderson for URC opener
The short version
- Fletcher Anderson, 23, is expected to miss the start of the URC season with a groin injury
- He has not played in pre-season matches against Exeter, Dragons and Saracens
- Nigel Davies says Anderson could return within three to four weeks
- Cullen Grace arrives next month and Taine Plumtree is out until at least October
- Osian Williams, 19, has played at number eight in pre-season
Scarlets number eight Fletcher Anderson is expected to sit out the opening weeks of the United Rugby Championship season with a groin problem.
Scarlets back-rower Fletcher Anderson is expected to miss the early part of the United Rugby Championship season because of a groin injury. The 23-year-old number eight, who joined from Crusaders and was the region's standout performer last season, has not featured in any of the club's three pre-season fixtures against Exeter, Dragons and Saracens.
Director of rugby Nigel Davies said the situation is being assessed on a week-by-week basis and that Anderson could return at any point in the next three or four weeks. He added that the issue has been a long-standing one and that the club wants the player back only when he is fit to stay. Davies had earlier left open the possibility of Anderson facing Cardiff in Saturday's league opener.
Scarlets also have other back-row concerns. New signing Cullen Grace will not arrive until next month, while Wales flanker Taine Plumtree is out until at least October through injury.
With options limited, lock Sam Lousi lined up at blindside flanker in the final warm-up match against Saracens, with Tristan Davies another possibility. Teenager Osian Williams filled the number eight shirt, and Davies praised the work-rate of the 19-year-old and fellow young Welsh-qualified forward Will Evans during pre-season.
