Worcester skipper GJ van Velze given extended break after suffering concussion

Worcester Warriors have announced that their skipper GJ van Velze will take a lengthy layoff from the game after suffering a series of concussion.

Van Velze, who joined Worcester in 2014, suffered another head injury during the opening game of the ongoing Aviva Premiership season against Saracens and was replaced in the 70th minute.

High performance director at Worcester Warriors Nick Johnston revealed that even though van Velze was desperate to continue playing, the club did not want to take any chance.

"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.

"It is in the interests of both the player and the club that the situation is dealt with carefully and correctly."