A long layoff for injured Willemse

Montpellier – France lock Paul Willemse will miss their summer tour of Japan after his club Montpellier announced yesterday that he will be out of action for four months with a knee injury.

The South African-born second row forward will undergo surgery next week on a torn lateral ligament in his right knee, according to the Top 14 leaders after limping off during last weekend’s defeat by Lyon.

“His unavailability should be for a period of four months following the surgery which is scheduled for the start of next week,” said Montpellier in a press release.

The 29-year-old was already expected to be out for two months and miss the end of the domestic season. –