A “FREAK accident” caused Cornell du Preez to sustain a “serious” injury to his throat according to Worcester Warriors boss Alan Solomons.

The Scotland international fractured his larynx shortly after coming off the bench in Warriors’ 21-20 defeat to Wasps in the Gallagher Premiership last Saturday.

Solomons said the 27-year-old was being treated at the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

And he admitted he would have a “clearer prognosis” at the end of the week once the back rower has had further surgery on his larynx, also known as the voice box.

Du Preez was making his competitive debut for Warriors when he suffered the injury having made the summer switch from Edinburgh.

“I think Cornell has done really well and was looking good so it is a real pity but what can you do?” Solomons said.

“When you look at the film it was a freak accident. It’s sad.

“He was tackled perfectly legitimately by Dan Robson.

"Joe Launchbury, who is a really good player and bloke, came across as (Cornell) fell and from what I can see I think it was his knee that struck Cornell in the throat.

“It is most unusual and most unfortunate and obviously it is a serious injury.”

Following the blow Solomons said du Preez was whisked to Worcestershire Royal Hospital by Warriors’ doctor before being transferred to Birmingham this week.

“The medical staff have been excellent and the club have been very supportive as well,” Solomons said.

“He is in Birmingham at the moment and they have an outstanding ENT unit. He could not be in better hands.

“I understand there will be further surgery.

“We will get the report from the surgeon and then we will get a clearer idea about things.

“At the moment I can’t say anymore as I am not an expert and I would have to wait until the specialist tells us what the situation is.”

Du Preez played under Solomons at Eastern Province Kings and Edinburgh before re-uniting at Worcester.

Solomons said the South Africa-born forward, who has won six caps for Scotland, had received messages of support from players and coaches within the game.

“I have coached Cornell both in Port Elizabeth in South Africa and Edinburgh,” Solomons said.

“I got a text late at night from Phil Burleigh from New Zealand asking about Cornell.

“There have been guys from Edinburgh, South Africa and the boys here who have been fantastic and the club have been as well.

“He has certainly got support. His partner is here with him. She was on holiday in South Africa but flew black. Everyone has been excellent.

“There are no visitors at this point so it has been texts as opposed to cards.

“I think the big thing is that everyone just wants Cornell to get better.”