Newcastle forward Nili Latu likely to be out for five months
Tuesday 12 July 2016 10:50, UK
Newcastle have suffered a major injury blow as back-row forward Nili Latu has been ruled out for around five months.
The Falcons confirmed Latu, who captained Tonga at last year's World Cup, has undergone knee surgery and could be sidelined until December.
"Nili suffered knee ligament damage playing in Tonga's last Pacific Nations Cup game, and was operated on Monday," Newcastle rugby director Dean Richards told the club's official website.
"His likely return to playing is five months from now."
Latu joined the Falcons in April last year and Richards admits the loss of the experienced 34-year-old will impact the club, but could open the door for other players to shine.
"Obviously it is a disappointing blow to lose a player of Nili's quality for that length of time, but at the same time it is an opportunity for other guys," he added.
"We have a lot of players coming through - Harrison Orr has joined us and made a very good first impression - but with David Tameilau not yet here from America, there is no denying it has left us a little bit short in the back row."
Newcastle begin the 2016/17 season on September 2 against Sale Sharks.
