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Van Velze hands off Chris Ashton in the meeting with Saracens. PA Wire/Press Association Images

Worcester give captain Van Velze extended break from rugby after latest concussion

‘The long-term welfare of the player is of utmost importance.’

WORCESTER CAPTAIN GJ van Velze has been given an extended break by the Premiership club to allow him to recover from his latest concussion.

The 28-year-old South African has suffered a series of concussions over the last year, culminating in another blow to the head in Worcester’s defeat against Saracens earlier this month. Van Velze will now take a rest to allow him to fully recover.

“As a club, we have a duty of care over the athlete’s well-being,” Worcester’s high performance director Nick Johnston said of the back row.

The long-term welfare of the player is of utmost importance, and even though GJ is desperate to play, we have to manage him correctly by looking after him.

“If a player returns too early before they have fully recovered, this may result in prolonged concussion symptoms and possible long-term health consequences, so it’s imperative that it is handled with due care and diligence.

“GJ has seen all the relevant specialists, and having gone through the correct procedure, he is not yet ready to return to action.

“GJ still needs more time to recover, and we will ensure that he goes through the correct protocol, and when he is 100 per cent ready to return, we can reintegrate him back into the team.”

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