Exeter Chiefs lock James Hanks to miss rest of season

Exeter Chiefs lock James Hanks has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a neck injury.

The 29-year-old suffered the problem on Sunday during Exeter's narrow victory over Bath in the LV= Cup semi-finals.

"It was pretty scary for him at the time when the initial injury happened but there are no fractures or breaks," Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter is quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "He has got some swelling in his neck area.

"He's still in hospital for monitoring rather than for treatment. He's okay and he's improving and there's no indications there's going to be any long-term damage."

Exeter return to action this Sunday when they play host to Northampton Saints in the LV= Cup final.