AFTER CONSULTING WITH a specialist, Connacht centre Dave McSharry will sit out the remainder of the season.
The centre has endured a torrid time with injury over the past year. The Dubliner returned after nine months sidelined with a knee injury in December, but the comeback was cut short after just two minutes by a concussive blow.
The 26-year-old has not played for Connacht since that Challenge Cup clash against Newcastle and the western province today confirmed that it he will not pull a jersey on again until next season.
In a statement today, Connacht say:
“Having sustained a number of concussions in the past 12 months, Dave McSharry has been reviewed by a specialist. He has been advised to undertake a period of rest from the game for the remainder of the current season.”
McSharry, who joins former Connacht lock Mike McCarthy in an extended post-concussion break from the game, is contracted with the Westerners next season and will continue to train with Pat Lam’s squad during non-contact sessions.
After ruling Eoghan Masterson out for the season with knee ligament damage yesterday, Connacht will send the back row to consult with a surgeon tomorrow.
Jake Heenan (hip-pointer), Eoin McKeon (ankle sprain) and Craig Ronaldson (minor knee ligament injury) are doubts for Sunday’s Pro12 meeting at home to Ospreys but the province are hopeful that at least part of that trio may yet pull through.
A knee-cap injury picked up in training will rule young centre Rory Parata out of at least the next two fixtures, but the 21-year-old is awaiting feedback from his surgical consultation to determine the full extend of repair required.
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