Exeter's worst fears confirmed over Ross Vintcent injury

Ross Vintcent is fighting to be fit for the start of the Six Nations after Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter revealed that he needs an operation on the shoulder he dislocated on international duty for Italy.

Johannesburg-born Vintcent, 23, faces 10 to 12 weeks on the sidelines following his date with the surgeon’s scalpel, which the club hope will take place in the next few days once a theatre slot becomes available.

Vintcent has been in outstanding form for club and country this season, scoring three tries in three Gallagher PREM games, but was injured in Italy’s 32-14 defeat to South Africa in Turin a fortnight ago.

The Chiefs’ worst fears were confirmed after the injury was assessed upon his return to Devon, and he faces a race to be ready for the Azzurri’s Six Nations opener against Scotland at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on February 7th.

“He has had his scans and needs an operation, so we will crack on with that, and he will start the rehab process, and it’s a 10-12 week return to play if it all goes well. So we will get him back soon. It’s a bit of a shame for him,” said Baxter.

“He has had a really strong start to the season for us. He had a bit of a bang, so we left him out for a week because the other guys were going well. He has then gone into the Italian camp and gone very well from the start.

“He was going hammer and tongs in a big game against South Africa and has ended up with a pretty significant injury, so it is a little of a shame for him, but they do happen. But he is a very conscientious professional guy.

“So I am sure he will recover from this pretty quickly and will be available to us in a very important part of the season, so that will be a breath of energy to drive us forward.”

Vincent’s injury will open the door for Kane James and Richard Capstick, who is now back at full fitness after missing the start of the season to have a run of games.

Meanwhile, scrum-half Stephen Varney, who has been outstanding since moving to Sandy Park, is still struggling with a rib injury he suffered playing for Italy and is set to miss the trophy to Sale Sharks on Friday.