Chiefs club captain Yeandle ruled out for the season

Ahead of the EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final this weekend, Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter has confirmed Jack Yeandle has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

The hooker and club captain suffered a foot injury against Northampton Saints in round 13 of the Gallagher PREM at Sandy Park a fortnight ago. After undergoing scans and receiving a second opinion from a surgeon, it has been confirmed that Yeandle will require surgery.

The 36-year-old will have the procedure this week before entering a post-op rehab process with the Chiefs medical team.

Baxter said: “Our hope is that by getting the surgery now, he will be fully fit and able to play a full part in pre-season next year.

“He’s had a great season for us, started a lot of games. The positive with this type of injury is that he almost gets an early start on pre-season as, outside of the running aspect. He gets a headstart on being able to work on everything else physically. So, as a hooker, that’ll be a focus on his neck stability and upper body strength.

“By not playing games now, he’ll start next season in a better place for the amount of games he’s still got left in the tank. We’re trying to look at the positives and focus on getting him back, raring to go for pre-season.”