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Best wishes

Lions hooker Matthew Rees to undergo testicular surgery

The Cardiff Blues captain and Welsh international will have an enforced spell away from rugby.

CARDIFF BLUES AND Wales hooker Matthew Rees is set to undergo testicular surgery and now faces an “enforced spell away from rugby.”

The former captain of Wales has earned 58 caps for his country and was an important part of the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa.

Rees moved to Cardiff during the summer after nine seasons with the Scarlets, and was immediately named as captain of the Blues upon joining, despite the presence of Lions skipper Sam Warburton.

The hooker played in the Blues’ Heineken Cup loss to Exeter two weekends ago, but was absent from the victory over Toulon at Arms Park on Saturday.

A statement from the Cardiff-based region today said:

“Cardiff Blues have today announced that club captain Matthew Rees is to have an enforced spell away from rugby. Hooker Rees, who joined the region from Scarlets this summer, will miss Friday’s league trip to Ulster Rugby as he will undergo testicular surgery.

Cardiff Blues would like to take this opportunity to wish Matthew a speedy recovery and we look forward to seeing him back in action in the future. The region will be making no further comment and would ask that the media respect Matthew’s privacy at this time.”

Rees’ career began with Pontypridd RFC in 2000, from where he moved to the Scarlets. His international debut came in 2005 against the US, while he was appointed captain of the national team in 2010. The hooker was unfortunate to miss the 2011 World Cup due to a neck injury, with Warburton subsequently assuming the captaincy.

Best wishes go to Rees with his recovery from surgery, and the hope is that we see the dynamic, committed hooker back on the rugby pitch as soon as possible.

Sean O’Brien gives 100% for Leinster every week – Guy Easterby

Paddy Jackson showing clear signs of progress for Ulster

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