Injury ravaged Newport Rugby Club have a huge selection headache ahead of tomorrow’s crunch match at South Leicester.
The injury curse struck once again last weekend for the flailing Fishes with skipper Craig Ingram pulling a hamstring in their 22-15 defeat at Malvern.
That leaves Newport’s wafer thin squad at breaking point with few options at prop.
Phil Rogers has missed the start of the season with a knee injury but may have to be rushed straight back into the starting XV for a visit to a ground that Newport have never won at.
“Craig’s injury is a massive problem for us,” conceded director of rugby Ray Price.
“We’re having to defend an awful lot, and when you’re doing that for long periods its extremely severe on fitness levels and players get knocks.
“We’re a pretty small pack in comparison with other teams and we’re taking a battering at the moment.”
Adam Greaves is also out after picking up a knock, while Ben Warrilow and Matt Curgenven are unavailable.
Their luck appeared to be changing last weekend as they charged into a 15-0 lead at fellow strugglers Malvern - but a second half capitulation meant that Newport dropped into the National Division Three Midlands relegation zone.
Price added: “It was a very, very disappointing result because we have a good track record at Malvern. It’s not a good one to lose.
“We did at least get a bonus, but having led by a three score margin it’s a bit a blow.
“Fate is just contriving against us at the moment. We just have to look at the problems in training and battle on until Christmas when things will hopefully start to get a bit better.”
Tries from Ben Warrilow and Rob Clymer, along with points from the boot of Tomasi Tanumi was not enough to give Newport the win as Malvern hit back.
By Sean Wozencroft
