Guinness Premiership : Qera has knee operation

Akapusi Qera - facing a lengthy lay off

Qera has knee operation

3 July 2008, 12:09 pm

By Jonathan McConnell

Akapusi Qera, Gloucester's sensational Fijian flanker, underwent an operation in London on Wednesday night to repair his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).

Qera, who took the Guinness Premiership by storm in his debut season and came third in the Player of the Season award ceremony following his switch from Pertemps Bees, was operated on by renowned knee surgeon Andy Williams at the Lister Hospital.

The operation was a success and he will now be monitored by Gloucester's medical staff over the next few months as he begins his period of rehabilitation.

At this stage, it is too early to say when he will be back in action but Gloucester's head coach Dean Ryan said: "Akapusi's impact on the Premiership last season was tremendous and he produced a number of world class performances so to lose him to an injury of this significance is an obvious blow.

"To be without him and Gareth Delve because of similar injuries is extremely disappointing for us but both will be in great hands at the club and we wish them all the best for their recoveries.

"But we have an outstanding squad and it will provide opportunities for other players to stake their claims for selection."

Delve injured his left knee on Test duty for Wales and will be out for six months.