Castres suffer Sivivatu blow

All Black Sitiveni Sivivatu is to miss three-and-a-half-months of the forthcoming season after undergoing a shoulder operation, dealing a huge blow to his new club, 2013 Top 14 champions Castres.

The 32-year-old Fiji-born wing – capped 48 times – was Castres' headline signing during the close season when he agreed a three-year contract on leaving rivals Clermont.

Sivivatu suffered from a shoulder problem while at Clermont last season, which was reflected in his poor return of just four tries.

Castres, who were beaten in the Top 14 final by European champions Toulon last season, start their campaign against Stade Francais this Saturday and aside from Sivivatu will also be without props Karena Wihongi and Yannick Forestier as well as lock Benjamin Desroche.

Source: AFP