No break, but Evans is out for four weeks

CARDIFF fly-half Jarrod Evans has not broken his sternum, but does face at least four weeks out of action leaving him facing something of a race against time to be fit for the start of Wales’ autumn campaign.

The eight-cap Evans left the field in obvious pain during Friday night’s 33-21 United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht at the Arms Park.

There were fears he had fractured his sternum which would likely mean a lengthy lay-off.

But scans have revealed no break, with bruising the diagnosis.

It remains to be seen whether he can get back fit in time for Wales’ opening autumn Test against New Zealand on October 31, when they will be without England-based fly-halves Dan Biggar and Callum Sheedy.

As for fellow Cardiff No 10 Rhys Priestland, he is making good progress following the bang he took to the head against Connacht, which saw him leave the fray to be replaced by Evans.

Priestland – another Wales contender – could be fit to play against the Ospreys in Saturday evening’s derby against the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium.

And the newly capped Ben Thomas is back to provide another option at No 10 as he has recovered from a groin injury.

Speaking first about Jarrod, Cardiff director Dai Young said: “It looked really nasty and he was in a lot of pain leaving the ground and went straight to hospital.

“He has had scans and there is nothing broken. There is no damage to any major organs, so it’s just bruising really which will take time to settle.

“Obviously he’s still in a bit of pain but there’s no lasting damage, which is the positive. That’s good news.

“You don’t want any of your best players to be out for any length of time, but at least it’s positive in that’s there’s nothing too serious.”

As for the likely length of Evans’ lay-off, Young said: “A lot of it down to pain management and how long things take to settle.

“We are definitely looking at a minimum of four weeks and it could be longer. You just don’t know with these kind of injuries.

“But there’s nothing structurally, no damage to major organs, which is always a concern when somebody has a nasty chesty injury. I am just pleased he is ok.

“With these things, you tend to have a better picture after about ten days.”

Turning to Priestland, Young said: “Rhys is going through the protocols. As of now, he has had no symptoms. Everything is going pretty smoothly.

“We should know Thursday if he’s available.”