Saracen's Jack ruled out for season

Mar 26 2008 Western Mail

SARACENS second-row Chris Jack has been sidelined for the rest of the season with the hand injury he sustained against the Ospreys on Saturday.

Jack suffered tendon damage after falling during the 30-3 EDF Energy Cup semi-final defeat at the Millennium Stadium and required surgery.

The 29-year-old All Black will miss the Heineken Cup quarter-final against the same opponents on April 6 and the rest of the Guinness Premiership campaign.

Saracens director of rugby Alan Gaffney said, “It’s a blow for the club and more importantly for Chris, who has quickly settled in England.

“He has been producing some very good performances for us, but it’s something that we have to deal with.

Even though he won’t be able to get out on the pitch, with his knowledge and experience he still has a very important role to play for us.”

FORMER All Blacks scrum-half Mark Robinson will leave Northampton at the end of the season.

Robinson has spent five years at Saints, who were promoted back to the Guinness Premiership with Saturday’s 18-8 victory over Exeter.

The 32-year-old, who has been linked with a move to Wasps, recently lost his place to Johnny Howard, while Ben Foden’s summer arrival from Sale will add significant additional competition at nine.

“Mark is as popular as ever with the fans and I’m sure that there will be plenty of interest among other clubs in offering him a contract,” said Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder.