Lipman out for three months

Bath flanker Michael Lipman faces three months on the sidelines after fracturing his cheekbone and eye socket during the pre-season win over Exeter.

Lipman suffered a blow to the face just after half-time at the County Ground on Saturday and a specialist has confirmed he suffered a double facial-fracture that requires surgery.

It is a devastating blow for Lipman, who had only just battled back to full fitness after rupturing ankle ligaments in February.