Clarke’s rugby career hangs in the balance

Connacht skipper Craig Clarke is to undergo a scan to determine if he can resume his playing career.

The career of the lock forward, signed on a three-year deal to replace Irish international Mike McCarthy, is very much in question following a series of concussions.

Clarke will have the MRI scan in early April and Connacht coach Pat Lam confirmed yesterday his future in the game will become clearer after the procedure.

Clarke has not played for Connacht since he suffered a concussion against Scarlets in the Heineken Cup in January — his 10th in 22 months.

“Craig has more scans planned for the beginning of April to check where he’s at,” said Lam. “It will certainly give us clarity. It’s (his concussion) still ongoing. But he is a strong character. The boys don’t see him all glum and hanging down. They see the qualities of the man, helping others, mentoring others, passing on his information, encouraging guys, still forming part of the analysis of other teams. But he is still very much part of our leadership group actually. He’s around at training and he’s having a big influence off the field,” said the Connacht coach.

Meanwhile, Connacht back Kyle Tonetti has been forced to retire from professional rugby due to ongoing issues with an ankle injury, the latest in a long list of casualties which have hampered his career.

The 26-year-old former Ireland underage player has never played under Lam and not played for the province since February 2013. “I’m very disappointed to have to make this decision at this stage of my career. After exhausting all options and going through numerous surgeries, I have come to terms with the fact that I will not be playing at this level again,” said Tonetti. “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Connacht and I’m disappointed I haven’t been able to contribute as much as I had hoped.”