Forrester takes a back seat

Gloucester's James Forrester has been ruled out for two weeks with a rib injury.

Gloucester have been dealt a significant blow as the dawn of 2006 looms on the horizon, after James Forrester was ruled out for at least two weeks.

The impressive number eight has been a mainstay in the Cherry-and-Whites' team this season, helping them to push towards the top four spots in the Guinness Premiership.

However, Forrester picked up a rib injury in the European Challenge Cup match with Toulon, and the problem reared its head once again as Gloucester narrowly went down 32-25 to Wasps.

The England man explained: "I hurt my rib cartilage last week against Toulon and I thought it had improved quite dramatically. I passed a fitness test for the Wasps game but it was pretty sore until I injured it again in the 60th minute.

"I can tell you it was a very painful experience and it made breathing quite difficult. It is obviously very frustrating and at the moment there is very little I can do about it.

"I will continue to rest it and ice it this week and let the healing process take its course. I will then see how it reacts but missing any rugby is hard to take."

Forrester is expected to miss the forthcoming clashes with Leeds Tykes and Saracens, with Peter Buxton being the most likely deputy.