Injured Exeter centre Tua to miss most of season

Tamati Tua, a centre for Exeter, will miss the majority of the upcoming season because of an Achilles tendon injury.

The 27-year-old New Zealander had surgery after suffering a concussion during training last week.

Tua, who moved to Sandy Park from Super Rugby’s Brumbies last summer, scored two tries in 19 games for the Chiefs last year.

According to Exeter’s website, “Timescales for these types of injuries, an Achilles rupture, can vary,” but realistically we’re looking at a six to nine month return period,” said Rob Baxter, the club’s director of rugby.

Everyone is disappointed for him because he looked fantastic in great shape and had a great pre-season, which makes it one of those unfortunate circumstances.

The goal is to help him work hard to return to health as soon as possible during the rehab period.

“We have a responsibility to make the most of the season to give him the best chance to play this season,” he said.

Meanwhile, England “A” forward Richard Capstick is likely to miss until November due to strained knee ligaments.

Capstick also suffered a concussion during training, having played in every Exeter League game last year.

Richard’s injury occurred last week, when he was awkwardly caught in a tackle, according to Baxter.