Worcester captain GJ van Velze is to take an extended break in order to recover from concussion.
The Aviva Premiership club said 28-year-old Van Velze has suffered a series of concussions over the last year, with the latest coming in Worcester's defeat against Saracens earlier this month.
The South African back-row forward will now take a break from normal player duties to allow him to fully recover.
Worcester's high performance director Nick Johnston said: "A s a club, we have a duty of care over the athlete's well-being.
"The long-term welfare of the player is of utmost importance, and even though GJ is desperate to play, we have to manage him correctly by looking after him.
"If a player returns too early before they have fully recovered, this may result in prolonged concussion symptoms and possible long-term health consequences, so it's imperative that it is handled with due care and diligence.
"GJ has seen all the relevant specialists, and having gone through the correct procedure, he is not yet ready to return to action.
"GJ still needs more time to recover, and we will ensure that he goes through the correct protocol, and when he is 100 per cent ready to return, we can reintegrate him back into the team.
"It is in the interests of both the player and the club that the situation is dealt with carefully and correctly."
Source: PA
