Chiefs confirm prognosis on James and Hooper injuries

Exeter Chiefs back-rowers Kane James and Tom Hooper have both had their injury lay-off periods confirmed by the Chiefs medical team.

Youngster Kane James had to leave the field after 11 minutes in Chiefs’ EPCR Challenge Cup final pool fixture against Cardiff Rugby.

Following scans, it has been confirmed James has suffered a large ankle injury and the 20-year-old will have surgery this week. He will shortly enter a rehab programme, expected to last between 12-14 weeks.

Fellow back-rower and Wallabies international, Tom Hooper was replaced early in last weekend’s Gallagher PREM round 10 fixture against Bristol Bears.

Scans have confirmed Hooper has strained his MCL. The injury will not require surgery, instead Hooper will undergo an extensive rehab programme with our medical team. Hooper is expected to be available to return to play in approximately 6-8 weeks.

Meanwhile, both full-back Josh Hodge and tighthead prop Josh Iosefa-Scott have returned to full team training and are available for selection.