Bemand blow for Leicester’s title hopes

LEICESTER have suffered an injury setback just nine days before the Guinness Premiership season kicks off. Scrum-half Scott Bemand could face six months on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury during a Tigers training session.

Bemand, who joined the club from Harlequins a year ago, underwent surgery and had two screws inserted in his right ankle.

Bemand featured in 23 first-team games last term, providing invaluable support to Tigers’ England scrum-half Harry Ellis, and scored a try during Leicester’s Premiership final defeat against Wasps.

Bemand’s likely prolonged absence is a blow to Leicester, especially given Ellis’ likely unavailability for domestic action during the autumn Test period when England face appointments with Australia, New Zealand and Samoa.