Dollman absence will open the door for others

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has confirmed Phil Dollman will be sidelined for a number of weeks after it was revealed he broke his hand in last weekend’s Aviva Premiership clash with Saracens.

The 31-year-old full-back sustained the injury during the opening quarter of the game played at Sandy Park.

“The initial prognosis is that he’s going to be out for a little while – he may well require an operation,” said Baxter. “If he does he’ll have that very shortly, and then you’re talking about a six to eight week recovery period.”

Signed in 2009 from the Newport-Gwent Dragons, the Welshman has been an integral part of the Chiefs ever since he arrived amassing 174 appearances to date and scoring 112 points in the process.

The loss of Dollman ahead of this Saturday’s home clash with Harlequins is an obvious blow for the Chiefs, who have yet to taste victory after their opening two Premiership games of the season.

However, Baxter believes the loss will open the door for others within the squad to stake their own claims for a regular starting spot.