Telusa Veainu will have surgery today after suffering a double fracture to the jaw during Saturday’s European Champions Cup tie with Munster.
Tigers head coach Matt O’Connor confirmed immediately after the game that Veainu’s jaw had been broken after being hurt in a collision with Munster wing Andrew Conway in the opening minutes of the second half at Thomond Park.
Veainu received treatment from the Tigers medical team before being led from the field and the full-back flew home with the rest of the team on Saturday evening.
He is due to have surgery on the damage today (Monday) and O’Connor said he will be sidelined for several months.
“It is very disappointing,” said O’Connor. “I said immediately after the game there is a duty of care for the ball carrier and Telusa has been seriously injured after a collision with an opposition’s shoulder and head which will make him miss a key part of the season.
“We look forward to his full recovery and getting him back on the field in due course.”
After the defeat at Thomond Park, Tigers hosts Munster in the return fixture at Welford Road this Sunday. Kick-off is at 5.30pm and match tickets are available now. Book in person at the Tigers Store in Highcross Shopping Centre, phone the ticket office on 0116 319 8888 (option 2) or book online.
