You are in > manchester.com  > News > Warrington suffer skipper blow

Rugby League

Warrington suffer skipper blow

25/05/2006

Warrington Wolves have been dealt a major blow today with the news that skipper Paul Rauhihi has been ruled out for at least three months with a back injury.

The 32-year-old New Zealand test prop has damaged a disc in his back and will be forced to sit on the sidelines for 12 weeks before he can return to training.

Wolves head coach Paul Cullen admitted the news is "obviously a huge blow to the camp".

But he added: "We hope to have Paul back in August, similarly to the case of [injured forward] Rob Parker, he will return at an important stage of the season.

"Together they will offer us a lift on and off the field."

Rauhihi, who will meet his New Zealand coach Mike McCleannan on Sunday to discuss the injury, revealed he was gutted to have suffered the setback.

"It's massively disappointing and I'm really down," he admitted.

"I'm targeting a return in August. Whilst I'm injured I'll be there in the stands watching the boys."

Warrington, inspired by Rauhihi, have enjoyed one of their best ever seasons so far in the engage Super League and currently find themselves fifth in the table.

The team are also playing well in the Powergen Challenge Cup and on Sunday booked their place in the quarter-finals with an emphatic 46-2 win over Whitehaven.

© Adfero Ltd