Sinbad to have shoulder operation : News

The 24-year-old sustained the injury during Gloucester's 19-7 pre-season defeat away to Llanelli on Saturday. He will be operated on at the Winfield Hospital in Gloucester.

It is unclear yet how long Simpson-Daniel, who has won nine England caps, will be out of action for.

But Gloucester's head coach Dean Ryan told www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk: "It is obviously devastating news and he will have our total backing. We will be supporting him in every possible way to ensure a quick recovery."

A try scorer in the 33-12 semi-final win over Newcastle, Billy Burns admitted that Gloucester hadn't started well, but that the last hour was much improved. A final in Bilbao now beckons but Burns insists the immediate focus is on Bath next week.

Man of the Match Jason Woodward admitted when talking to GRTV after the win over Newcastle, that Gloucester had shown the best of what they could do but also the worst before easing to victory and a place in the final.

Reflecting on the 33-12 European Rugby Challenge Cup semi-final win over Newcastle on Friday evening, Head Coach Johan Ackermann praised both his team and the crowd for staying patient during a tricky opening period.