By Zim Sport Live Writer
Northampton Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson has hailed Zimbabwean forward Cleopas Kundiona’s resilience and character, after the debutant suffered a knee injury during Sunday’s dramatic 37-35 Premiership victory over Gloucester.
Kundiona’s first appearance for Saints was cut short, but not before he made a significant impact.
Despite injuring his knee, the gifted Zimbabwe international showed remarkable bravery by staying on to make a crucial try-saving tackle.
“Cleopas has hurt his knee and we’re waiting for a surgeon’s opinion on the scans,” Dowson said. “He’s been excellent throughout pre-season. We’ve been impressed not just with his physicality and set-piece work, but also his overall rugby ability.”
Dowson highlighted Kundiona’s attitude as a key reason he has quickly earned respect within the squad.
“He actually hurt his knee quite badly, but he still got back in the line and made that try-saving tackle, so he’s got some moral fibre that we really like. He’s a good character, and we’re hoping the lay-off isn’t as long as we fear,” Dowson added. “He’s had a huge impact.”
Saints will now await medical confirmation to determine how long Kundiona will be sidelined.