Qera blow for Gloucester

Qera joins Delve on Kingsholm injury list

By Pete Oliver   Last updated: 3rd July 2008

Akapusi Qera Gloucester

Qera: Injured

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Gloucester coach Dean Ryan admits that a lengthy injury lay-off for flanker Akapusi Qera is an obvious blow for the Kingsholm club.

Fijian international Qera, 24, has undergone successful surgery on an injured anterior cruciate but now faces several months' rehabilitation.

But Ryan expects other members of the Gloucester squad to seize the chance created by the absence of Qera and Wales international Gareth Delve with knee injuries.

"Akapusi's impact on the Premiership last season was tremendous and he produced a number of world-class performances so to lose him to an injury of this significance is an obvious blow," said Ryan.

"To be without him and Gareth Delve because of similar injuries is extremely disappointing for us but both will be in great hands at the club and we wish them all the best for their recoveries.

"But we have an outstanding squad and it will provide opportunities for other players to stake their claims for selection."