THE SCOTSMAN REPORTS
More misery for injury-plagued Philip

MARION TRACE

TOM Philip, the promising young Scotland centre, has suffered another injury setback which could keep him out of rugby for the rest of the year.

The former Hawks and Edinburgh threequarter had hoped to make his comeback at the start of next season following a year on the sidelines, but is now targeting Christmas for his return.

Philip, who made his international debut against Wales in the 2004 Six Nations, underwent an operation on his back, almost 12 months after an operation to rebuild his knee.

His troubles began during last summer’s tour when a freak training injury in the build-up to the Samoa Test in Wellington left him needing knee reconstruction. Then two weeks ago, he went under the knife again in a bid to cure a back problem.

Frank Hadden, the Edinburgh coach and interim Scotland coach, said: "Tom has been most unfortunate over the last year and we hope this will be an end to his problems. He is an outstanding young rugby player and I’m sure all the Scotland and Edinburgh supporters will want to join with me and wish him a speedy recovery."

Philip tried to put on an optimistic front, saying: "My latest operation was a long procedure, however it seems to have gone well and I’ll be delighted if I will be fit and ready to play again in a few months. I am looking forward to getting back out on to the pitch and doing what I enjoy."

This article was posted on 12-May-2005, 06:41 by Hugh Barrow.