Wasps nine facing a month out (From Bucks Free Press)

Simpson injury 'not as bad' as feared

3:05pm Wednesday 31st October 2012 in Sport By Alan Feldberg

WASPS expect to lose Joe Simpson for a month, but admit they’re relieved their deadly scrum half isn’t facing longer out of the side.

Simpson trapped his leg under a pile of forwards just before half time of Saturday’s win over Welsh.

He was in considerable pain and was treated on the pitch before being helped down the tunnel.

He didn’t reappear for the second half and at the time the club feared a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Director of rugby Dai Young said: “We did fear the worse, but he’s had a scan and there’s no tear, so it’s really good news.

“He’s still going to be out for three to four weeks so it is a signifcant injury, but nothing that needs operating on at this time.

“It’s not fantastic news, but it’s better than it could have been.”

Simpson’s injury comes just weeks after Nic Berry had to hang up his boots after one too many blows to the head, meaning Charlie Davis and Jonah Holmes are the only fit nines left.

At least the injury comes at a decent time for Wasps.

He could miss Premiership games against Saracens and Leicester, but in between are two LV Cup matches that he’d have probably been rested for anyway.

Young said: “There’s never a good time to be injured, but it will have less impact on our Premiership campaign over this period than it would have a little bit later in the season.”