Four key Cardiff Rugby players fly home early from South Africa in major blow

Cardiff have suffered a hefty blow after four frontline players were forced to fly home from South Africa after picking up injuries.

Welsh internationals Owen Lane and Shane Lewis-Hughes both suffered injuries which will keep them out for at least a month. Aled Summerhill and Rey Lee-Lo will also return to Wales early after both departing early in the Blue and Blacks' defeat to the Lions on Sunday with head injuries.

Cardiff have opted not to call in any reinforcements, with the option of bringing over unused Wales squad members James Ratti and Rhys Carre not on the table. Instead, Dai Young is set to trust the remaining players in his squad - meaning Theo Cabango and Jacob Beetham could feature against the Stormers this weekend in what would be their first United Rugby Championship appearances.

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"We have got four of the players flying home today," said head coach Young. "They are two significant injuries in Shane and Owen and both will be out for at least a month.

"Injuries happen, they are both tough guys and will get back as soon as possible. Owen has damaged his shoulder, we are hoping the extent of it is not as bad and it's only three to four weeks but it is still significant.

"He was disappointed not to be in Wales squad and he was somebody who was determined to push his case. Shane had a nasty rib injury, fractured some ribs and probably a minimum of six weeks.

"It is a nasty injury, Shane was just coming into a bit of form because he had been out for a while. The so-called back-row curse has happened again. People keep telling me we have far too many back rowers and how are you going to