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Force suffer yet another injury

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:44

Western Force Super 14 rookie Joelin Rapana will be sidelined for at least five weeks after breaking his hand playing for the Australian Barbarians last Friday.

Rapana, a 97 kg centre or wing, was one of five developing Force players to take part in the match against the Brumby Runners as the club sought to give them valuable match time during the bye weekend.

The 23-year-old sustained the injury late in the second half and scans revealed a broken bone in his right hand which will require a brace to be worn for at least a month.

Rapana joined the Force this season as a level one Academy player after making the switch from Rugby League on the Gold Coast and made his Super Rugby debut against the Hurricanes in Wellington in Round Two.

Rugby Western Australia General Manager Mitch Hardy said the injury was unfortunate timing for the talented back who had been impressive in his workrate and application since arriving in Perth.

"The Barbarians game was a great opportunity for Joelin and the other young players in our squad to get additional time on the field and it was just really unlucky for him to cop the injury," Hardy said. "Our medical staff reviewed the scans and it is now a case of having his hand in a guard and immobilized for about five weeks."

"He is a very positive guy and already set his targets on getting back as soon as possible and contributing to the team in the latter part of the season," Hardy said.

Rapana joins David Pocock (finger), Richard Brown (shoulder), André Pretorius (hamstring) and Cameron Shepherd (thigh) as Force players sidelined for extended periods this season.

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