No surgery needed for Exiles' Roche

London Irish flanker Kieran Roche will not require surgery on a fractured eye socket, suffered during Saturday’s 23-6 Heineken Cup defeat to Perpignan.

Roche was allegedly caught by a swinging elbow from Perry Freshwater, who has been cited for the incident by European rugby officials.

The 33-year-old was taken to hospital in Perpignan and underwent further examination by a surgeon and ophthalmologist on his return to London, who confirmed the original diagnosis.

Roche is facing at least four weeks out of action and was told the eye “should be allowed to settle before a further examination takes place”.

At the very least, Roche will miss Guinness Premiership games against Worcester, Leicester and Sale plus the home Heineken Cup clash with Newport Gwent Dragons on January 12.