CONNACHT SKIPPER GAVIN Duffy has been ruled out of the Heineken Cup double-header against Biarritz.
Duffy looks set to miss “four to five weeks” starting with Friday’s European showdown in the Sportsground after he suffered a recurrence of a hamstring problem.
The winger’s injury jinx continued when he limped out of the Pro12 defeat to Edinburgh last weekend, only his second start since coming back from his first lengthy lay-off of the season.
The news comes as a further blow to coach Eric Elwood who now has a total of 13 players unavailable, a number which could still rise before Thursday’s team announcement.
“Yes, we’re very thin on the ground,” Elwood said.
“After last year’s campaign, we want to step up and improve on what we did last year. Even with the unfortunate injuries, we really fancy ourselves against teams like Biarritz.”
Mike McCarthy and Nathan White are being closely monitored and it is hoped that both forwards will be available, while TJ Anderson and Eoghan Grace are fit for selection following their return to training.
Hooker Ethienne Reynecke is also expected to return to training this week.
