Cougars reserve team full-back Dan Belcher (pictured) will miss the rest of the 2009 season.

He has gone into hospital to undergo a shoulder reconstruction operation and that will effectively put an end to his 2009 season.

But the 20-year-old is expected to be fit again in time to resume his playing career for the 2010 season.

Barry Eaton, the Cougars’ Head Coach, said: “Dan’s been struggling with a shoulder problem for quite some time. We’ve reached a point where surgery has become inevitable so we might as well get it over and done with so he can start fresh next year.

“Before the worst effects of his injury kicked in Dan was playing great rugby and he would have figured in the first team if hadn’t been for the injury.

“Once he completes his rehabilitation programme I’m sure he’ll be back pushing hard for selection next year”.