Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard had to be stretchered from the field after suffering a suspected knee injury in Friday’s Top 14 game for Montpellier.
Montpellier suffered a heavy defeat by Racing 92, but the real concern from a South African perspective will be the news that Pollard sustained what could be a serious injury.
According to reports from France, Pollard was taken from the ground to hospital and the initial fears are that the World Cup winner suffered ligament damage, which would then require several months out of action.
‘Generally when someone leaves on a stretcher it’s never very good despite the fact there can be different degrees of knee injuries,’ Montpellier coach Xavier Garbajosa said.
‘He’s left for hospital,’ he added.
Should Pollard be ruled out of action for an extended period, he’d almost certainly take no part in the Rugby Championship at the end of the year if the Springboks are given the go-ahead to participate.
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Ligament damage to the left knee for handre Pollard – looks like a few months on the sideline – massive blow to @MHR_officiel after 2 losses in 2 outings!
— Robbie Nock (@NockRobbie) September 11, 2020
Worrying scenes here as #Springboks’ Handre Pollard is carried off on a stretcher with a suspected knee injury#R92MHR #Top14 pic.twitter.com/ulHfhgyY2F
— Illtud W. Dafydd (@IlltudDafydd) September 11, 2020
All photo: Getty Images