Latham injury blow hits Worcester

Latham was taken straight to hospital after leaving the field at Sixways

Worcester Warriors full-back Chris Latham will miss the rest of season after fracturing a bone in his shoulder in Sunday's win against Gloucester.

The former Australian international, 33, went off after just 14 minutes after he was injured making a tackle.

Director of rugby Mike Ruddock said: "He has been fantastic for us this season, and has endeared himself to the fans and to us as coaches and players.

"It is big blow with the Bristol game a week away."

Latham, who has been one of Worcester's star performers this year with 42 points from 20 appearances, was taken to hospital where he was diagnosed with a dislocated shoulder and a fractured scapula.

He was replaced at fly-half by Matthew Jones, who was returning from his own long-term injury, while Willie Walker provided cover at full-back.

Ruddock added: "He had a serious injury at the end of last season with Queensland, which may have been to our benefit in the end.

Latham has been linked with a coaching role at Sixways, but Ruddock believes he still has a lot of games to play before he hangs his boots up.

"If he's around once he's finished playing, we would love to utilise his skills either in the short term, while he's injured, or long term, if he wants to stay after he's finished playing," said Ruddock.

"But when you talk to him he is so enthusiastic. He thinks he will play for another 20 years so I don't think he'll be worrying too much about coaching just yet."

Worcester Warriors take on Bristol at the Memorial Ground on Sunday 29 March (1230 GMT). Full match commentary on BBC Hereford & Worcester.