The 'Cases' Somerset Rebels have been hit with the news that Patrick Hougaard suffered a broken shoulder as a result of crash while riding in Denmark on Wednesday night.

After a scan, Hougaard said that he did not require surgery but would need rest and physio work to make his recovery.

He will certainly miss tonight's match at home to Belle Vue, forcing the Rebels to make use of the rider replacement facility.

Looking beyond that fixture, team manager Garry May said: "It could well be that we sign a short-term injury replacement for Patrick, rather than rely on the rider replacement facility until he is fit to return.

"On the bright side, we only have a few fixtures between now and mid-July, by which time Patrick will, hopefully, be back in the team."