Simon’s latest injury to head a worry for Wasps
WASPS director of rugby Dai Young admitted his concern after long-serving prop Simon McIntyre suffered a fresh concussion blow.
The loosehead missed 11 games over a three-month period following a head injury suffered against Bristol Bears in the Premiership Cup back in November.
His long-awaited return was slightly delayed with a minor knee injury but he finally played his first Gallagher Premiership minutes in the 29-22 victory over Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate.
The 27-year-old arrived as a 62nd-minute substitute playing at his alternative position of tighthead while Wasps cope without injured options Kieran Brookes (ankle) and Jake Cooper-Woolley (thumb).
McIntyre was due to be the player put forward by Wasps for last week’s media session but a collision in training prompted his withdrawal from those duties.
He would also be missing from the Wasps team sheet for the 24-18 defeat to Sale Sharks at the Ricoh Arena as former Worcester Warriors prop Biyi Alo, on-loan from city neighbours Coventry Rugby, manned the bench as an unused substitute as Will Stuart went the distance.
“Obviously he was out for quite a while with a concussion, hopefully it will not be too long and he can get through it,” said Young.
“Picking up concussions so close to each other is always a concern and to be honest with you, it wasn’t that bad a knock either.
“So it is a little bit concerning but hopefully it’s not something that will keep him out for too long and we can get him back out on the pitch.” McIntyre’s season did not begin until November after suffering a foot injury in the penultimate game of the 2017/18 season.
His sixmonth layoff ended when he arrived from the bench during the 15-14 defeat to Northampton Saints in the Premiership Cup back in November as a second-half substitute, replacing Tom West. The following week he started in the cup clash with Bristol only for a 29th-minute collision to leave him grounded and commencing a 14-week battle until making his next Wasps appearance – his 154th since joining in 2011 from Sale Sharks. During his 98-day period out of action following the Bristol collision, McIntyre was one of five senior players to re-sign for the club that were announced on Christmas Day along with Jimmy Gopperth, Tommy Taylor, Ben Harris and Ashley Johnson.
Wasps boss Young said at the time: “Simon has been one of our consistent performers for a number of seasons now, so we’re delighted he’s signed a new deal.
“It’s fantastic that we’re getting a core group of players signing new deals ahead of 2019/20 as it helps us build stability and consistency within the squad and we’re pleased with how things are shaping up.”
During his absence, Wasps have leaned heavily on the services of Ben Harris, who has seized his chance by making 21 appearances while Zurabi Zhvania, signed from Stade Francais last summer, has played 19 games for Wasps, scoring one try so far for his new club.
Obviously he was out for quite a while with a concussion, hopefully it will not be too long and he can get through it.