John Fallon reports from Saint-Affrique

CONNACHT FLANKER Jake Heenan is a major doubt for the start of the Pro12 campaign after picking up an horrific hand injury in last night’s pre-season clash with Montpellier.

Heenan is now set to miss the start of the season. Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

The 24-year-old New Zealander was taken to hospital on Thursday evening in France after a stud went through one of his hands.

Head coach Pat Lam is waiting to establish the extent of the gruesome injury but said that the flanker is now a doubt for Connacht’s Pro12 opener against previous champions Glasgow Warriors at the Sportsground in three weeks.

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“I’m concerned about that, it is unfortunate as he had being going well. We will know more in due course but I think he could be a doubt for the start of the Pro12.”

Both Connacht and the European Challenge Cup winners Montpellier ran out most of their squads in the encounter, which Jake White’s side won 21-19.

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