Young's delight at Rush recovery

Kiwi Rush feared he would be out until Christmas

Cardiff Blues have been boosted by the news that skipper Xavier Rush will be fit to return in September following shoulder surgery.

Rush and the Blues' worst fears were that he would be out until Christmas.

But Blues boss Dai Young told BBC Sport Wales: "He's had his operation and thankfully it was nowhere near as bad as first feared.

"I think he's going to be out for at least six weeks. The prognosis is he's back sometime in September."

Young says the Kiwi number eight will be allowed to fully recover before returning to regional action.

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"It's still a blow, but it's nowhere near as bad as we expected, really," said Young.

"We won't rush him back. Player welfare is hugely important. He's had the operation and the specialist was really pleased with it.

"It's now just a matter of his rehabilitation and when we feel he's ready."

Young also had words of encouragement for Rush's back-row rivals Mark Lewis, Andy Powell and Sam Warburton.

"We've been pleased with Mark Lewis. He took his opportunities last season," said Young.

"With Andy Powell on board and Sam Warburton coming through the Under-20s that will ensure we have enough people putting the pressure on Xavier to get his place back."