Welsh hooker Matthew Rees is set for time away from the rugby field after the Cardiff Blues announced he is to undergo testicular surgery.
The 32 year-old led Cardiff to a surprise victory over Toulon at the weekend, but the club have confirmed he will play no part in Friday’s game at Ulster and said he will have an “enforced spell away from rugby”.
“Cardiff Blues would like to take this opportunity to wish Matthew a speedy recovery, and we look forward to seeing him back in action in the future,” the statement read.
Rees would have been expected to be named in Warren Gatland’s Welsh squad which is due to be named tomorrow but now looks set to miss the Autumn International Series also.
In Heineken Cup action against Exeter
Rees has won 58 caps and played in the 2009 British and Irish Lions Test series against South Africa. He is the current Blues captain, having joined from the Scarlets during the summer.
We wish him all the best with surgery and subsequent recovery.
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