Gloucester Rugby have confirmed that centre Phil Cokanasiga has undergone surgery on a foot injury sustained during their opening weekend win against Exeter Chiefs in the Gallagher Premiership season. The injury is identified as a Lisfranc injury, affecting the bones or ligaments in the middle of the foot. Cokanasiga is not expected to return to play until January 2027.
Cokanasiga had impressed early in the season after joining the Cherry and Whites from the Ospreys, delivering strong performances including two standout displays against Bristol Bears in the Premiership Rugby Cup and during the 45-24 victory at Sandy Park. His absence will be a setback for Gloucester.
However, there is positive news regarding centre Seb Atkinson, who passed his Head Injury Assessment after leaving the field during Saturday’s 48-0 win over Harlequins. Atkinson is expected to be available for Friday’s match against Leicester Tigers at Welford Road, where the Slater Cup is at stake and Gloucester look to maintain their lead in the early season league table.
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Welsh international centre Max Llewellyn is on track to return by the end of October as he recovers from a hamstring injury. His return will help cover the loss of Cokanasiga, alongside 19-year-old Will Knight, who continues to gain valuable experience from bench appearances.
Full-back Ben Redshaw is also approaching a return to selection after missing the recent match against Harlequins due to a failed Head Injury Assessment in the opening round against Exeter Chiefs.
In the forwards, versatile prop Jamal Ford-Robinson is targeting a return in January following surgery to repair a hamstring tear suffered during a Gloucester Lions match against Bristol Bears in September. Lock Danny Eite continues to recover from an ACL injury sustained last season and is not expected back until spring, after the Six Nations.
On a more positive note, lock Jean Kleyn passed his Head Injury Assessments after intermittent play during the Harlequins match and should be available to face Leicester Tigers. Fellow South African James Venter is also expected back by the end of the month, providing additional options for flanker under coach George Skivington.