Wallabies scrumhalf Will Genia has embarked on his rehabilitation road, after knee surgery.
It’s set to be another three months before Genia can return to Rugby but he was positive about his road back, in an instagram post on Friday.
Genia, sporting a new bleached ‘do, wrote: “Felt so good picking up a ball again after a couple of months. Surgery done and the road back has begun. 3 months and I can play again.”
The 27-year-old hasn’t featured for French club since a January 4 clash with Toulouse and his ongoing knee complaint will push back any more appearances until at least next season.
Quade Cooper will return to Top 14 action against Dan Carter’s Racing 92, but the two former Test foes won’t be lining each other up.
Cooper has been named at fullback for Toulon, in his first match back after a stint with the Australian Sevens, with Frenchman Freddie Michalak in the flyhalf role.
Former Wallabies back James O’Connor also returns after five weeks out of the side with health issues, named on the wing.
Winger Drew Mitchell has not been named for the clash between the second and third-placed sides, while Matt Giteau is still working his way back from groin surgery.
Peter Kimlin will come off the bench for Grenoble against La Rochelle on Sunday morning (AEDT).
Former Wallabies Nic White and Jesse Mogg will line up at halfback and fullback, respectively, when Montpellier takes on Agen.
Bordeaux faces Clermont on Monday morning (AEDT), with teams yet to be named for the clash.
PREMIERSHIP
Cooper Vuna will line up on the left wing for a resurgent Worcester side, as they look for a seventh win, against the London Irish.
Peter Betham will come off the bench for Leicester when they face off against Sale on Monday morning (AEDT).
Betham has started at outside centre the past three weeks, with two tries, but England international Manu Tuilagi has pushed him out of the run-on XV.
George Smith will start at openside flanker for Wasp against Newcastle, as the London side aims to keep in touch with the Premiership’s top two.
James Horwill will run on at lock for Harlequins in their matchup against Northampton, to round out the Premiership weekend.
PRO12
Luke Burgess made a 23-minute cameo for Zebre in a disappointing 47-0 loss to Munster.
The loss leaves them second last on the ladder in the Pro12, with just four wins from 17 matches.
