Broken ankle confirmed for Cantorna

Exeter Chiefs Women’s Gabby Cantorna sustained a fractured ankle during Saturday’s PWR round 15 march against Leicester Tigers Women.

Playing at fly-half for this game, Cantorna went down in the 55th minute while competing at the breakdown.

On the match card, the USA international was replaced by Ellen Scantlebury but in fact Merryn Elworhy moved from full-back to fly-half, Eilidh Sinclair from the wing to full-back, and Scantlebury slotted in on the wing.

After a lengthy break in play, Cantorna was taken off the pitch before going to hospital for an x-ray and further treatment. The Chiefs medical team are awaiting an update on whether the 30-year-old will need surgery, but she will miss the upcoming Pacific Four Series in the USA.

Cantorna said: “I’m obviously gutted to be sidelined so late in the season, especially with the Pacific Four Series just around the corner. It’s never easy watching from the wings, but I have total confidence in the medical team here at Chiefs and the incredible support system around me.

“The focus now is entirely on my recovery; I’ll be doing everything I can to get back out there with the girls before the season is up.”

Exeter Chiefs Women are now on an 11-week break from the PWR with a bye week this weekend followed by an international window for the Guinness Women’s Six Nations. PAC4 and the Rugby Europe Women’s Championship.