Chiefs monitoring handful of short-term injuries

Ahead of the return of Gallagher PREM rugby this weekend, Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter has confirmed his squad are monitoring a small number of short-term injuries.

Italian number eight Ross Vintcent dislocated his shoulder in the Azzurri’s penultimate Quilter Nations Series match against South Africa in Turin. After underdoing scans, it has been confirmed he will require surgery.

The back-rower will have the procedure in the next week before entering a post-op rehab process with the Chiefs medical team.

Fellow Italian, scrum-half Stephen Varney is working with medics to monitor a rib issue. He will not be available this weekend but will be reassessed next week to determine a timeline for returning to the pitch.

Winger Paul Brown-Bampoe picked up an ankle injury in last weekend’s Prem Cup win over Bristol Bears. He is working with the medical team to determine a treatment process.

Meanwhile, Max Norey and Will Goodrick-Clarke have both returned to full training with the squad.