News

Barnes avoids the knife

Friday 14th November 2008

Barnes: No surgery required

Wallaby and Reds inside back Berrick Barnes has been given a boost by the news that he won't need surgery on the knee he injured in last weekend's Test match against Italy.

Barnes suffered posterior cruciate ligament damage to the knee and flew home on Thursday for an MRI scan to determine the full extent of the injury.

Reds coach Phil Mooney said Barnes will have his knee in a brace for a few weeks but is relieved the injury does not require an operation.

"Berrick's obviously disappointed at having his tour cut short but he's very positive about his ability to recover quickly and is focusing on being back in time for the first competition match," Mooney said.

The Reds are likely to play the first two rounds of the 2009 Super 14 competition in South Africa with their first home game expected to be on March 1.

The confirmed Super 14 draw for 2009 has yet to be announced.