Shoulder operation sidelines Sam Underhill for four months

Ospreys flanker Sam Underhill will remain on the sidelines for four months as he is set to undergo a shoulder operation this week.

The former England U18 captain suffered the injury during his training and after consultation with specialists, he has decided to go ahead with the surgery which will keep him unavailable for the start of the upcoming season of the Pro12 for the Ospreys.

The news was confirmed by Ospreys' medical performance manager.

"Sam suffered a high grade AC joint injury in training last week, since when he has had scans and we've consulted with a specialist at Spire Cardiff.

"The agreed course of action for Sam is for him to undergo surgery to reconstruct the damaged ligaments. That will take place at the end of the week before he commences a programme of rehabilitation.

"The initial prognosis is that he can expect to be sidelined for a period of around four months."