John Mulvihill admits the shoulder injury to Tomos Williams is a bitter blow to Cardiff Blues, Wales and the scrum half on a personal level, but is confident the region has ready-made replacements who are ready to step up.
The Welsh international departed early in the second half during Saturday’s defeat to Scarlets and will now require surgery, with an estimated three to four months on the sidelines.
However, Mulvihill can call upon experienced scrum halves Lloyd Williams and Lewis Jones - who have a combined 311 regional appearances between them - and promising youngster Jamie Hill, who will battle for the number nine jersey in the coming months.
The head coach is happy with the options available to him in the scrum half department and says there will be opportunities for the trio as we approach the start of next season.
“Of course, it’s a big blow for both Cardiff Blues and Wales, but also to Tomos on a personal level as well,” said Mulvihill.
He’s been showing really good form this season, and has also been training well and was really “looking forward to the next few weeks.
He wouldn’t have played this week against the Ospreys, but would’ve opened next season for us “before going into camp with Wales.
“I spoke to Tomos today on the way back from training. He’s disappointed but it was an accident from Johnny McNicholl and he was unfortunate that it happened. But those things happen in rugby and the timings will never be great.
“But he’ll get through it and will no doubt come back strong.
“It’s really unfortunate for him but we’re fortunate to have Lloyd Williams, Lewis Jones and Jamie Hill ready to step in at that area.
“We’re not looking at bringing anyone else into the squad at the moment. We’re happy to get through with those guys that I mentioned.
“Someone like Jamie Hill might get his opportunity. He was on the bench in our game against Edinburgh just before the lockdown, but didn’t get on.
“But he’s playing and training really well. He’s played for Wales under-20 as well, and got through that.
“He has a bit of pedigree and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do.”