Dean Ryan has backed Ollie Griffiths to bounce back from the disappointment of injury against Vodacom Bulls – describing his performance before being forced off as ‘incredible'.
The 27-year-old was taken off after 44 minutes of last Saturday’s United Rugby Championship defeat in Pretoria after suffering a groin injury.
Griffiths will now miss Friday’s clash with the Sharks in Durban but Director of Rugby Ryan believes the back row will return before the season ends.
“We have had a scan and he has had an issue with his groin which isn't as bad as first feared,” said Ryan.
“It is something that doesn't require surgery, which when it comes to Ollie is always a positive.
“He will work as hard as he can over the next few weeks to try and get back in for the end of the season.
“His game was incredible (against Bulls) with his intensity and leading of the line physically against a side that was so much more powerful and heavy than we were,” added Ryan.
“Credit to him. His injury came at a moment where it looked like he had been caught in a truck smash.
“Ollie will do what Ollie does, he will get his head down, work his away at his rehab and bounces back. I am confident we will see him before the end of the year."
Ryan has also revealed that he has taken the decision to rule Wales lock Ben Carter out the Sharks game after suffering a head injury against the Bulls.
“Ben would be back, but I don't think it would be in his interests, so I have ruled him out of contention. I wouldn't want to have a young athlete on a six-day turnaround,” concluded Ryan.
His game was incredible (against Bulls) with his intensity and leading of the line physically against a side that was so much more powerful and heavy than we were...
