James Hanks injury update

Exeter Chiefs lock James Hanks remains in hospital after suffering a neck injury on Sunday, but is expected to make a full recovery.

Play was held up for several minutes late in the LV= Cup semi-final at Bath, which the Chiefs won 22-19.

But Hanks was not able to join in the celebrations with his teammates as he was taken to Bristol's Frenchay Hospital.

Head coach Rob Baxter said the injury to the 29-year-old was not as bad as first feared, although he is unlikely to play again this season.

He has suffered a relatively severe compression of his neck but is said to be on the mend.

Baxter said: “It was pretty scary for him at the time when the initial injury happened but there are no fractures, there are no breaks, but he has got some swelling in his neck area. He’s still in hospital for monitoring rather than for treatment. He’s okay and he’s improving and there’s no indications there’s going to be any long-term damage.”

The Chiefs players are due to return to training on Wednesday as they prepare for Sunday's LV= Cup final against Northampton at Sandy Park (3pm).