Bortolami avoids surgery

Italy lock Marco Bortolami does not need surgery but will be out of action for four weeks, the Italian Rugby Federation announced.

Bortolami sustained two fractured bones in his face during last weekend’s Heineken Cup with club side Gloucester and underwent examination in Milan, which ruled out the need for facial surgery.

An official statement read: “At the end of the visit, Doctor Brusati has ruled out the need for surgery and believes Marco Bortolami will recover in four weeks’ time.”

The former Italy captain will miss the RBS 6 Nations opener against Ireland in Dublin on February 2 as well as the home game against England eight days later.

He should return in time for the clash against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on February 23.