WORCESTER Warriors hardman Cornell du Preez has got the strength of character to deal with his latest injury setback according to team-mate and good friend Duncan Weir.

Du Preez is set to undergo further surgery on his throat this week after fracturing his voice box in Worcester Warriors’ 21-20 defeat to Wasps at Sixways.

Weir who also played alongside du Preez at Edinburgh and Scotland said his thoughts were with his fellow countryman and was confident the 27-year-old would have a “strong mindset” throughout his ordeal.

“Sometimes rugby comes second and obviously he is a good friend of mine from being in Edinburgh and the national team up there,” he said.

“It was a funny, old weekend not really knowing what was happening so my thoughts are definitely with him.

“My phone was going non-stop with people sending their regards to him.

“I have sent him a message but he is not able to pick up the phone.

“My wife has been talking to his partner a lot so that’s the level of communication.

“But I know everyone is asking after him and sending their best wishes from up north and down here in Worcester.”

Cornell sustained the injury just moments after coming on in the second half. Boss Alan Solomons later described it as a “freak” incident as the back rower was tackled by Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson before his throat made contact with lock Joe Launchbury’s knee.

Weir said he was unaware of what had happened until after the match but understood du Preez reacted in a “calm” and “collected” way immediately following the blow.

“He knew he needed help so he walked off in a sensible manner,” Weir said.

“If that was me the toys would not only be out of the pram they would be all over the car park.

“I would be in a right old state if that situation happened to me. I would be in sheer panic.

“It shows the character and the hardness of the man. I know if anyone can deal with it in a positive manner and have a strong mindset about it, it is him.”

Weir described du Preez as the “hardest man” he had ever played with and against as he highlighted how the South African-born forward overcame a “horrific” ankle injury when playing for Edinburgh in 2014.

“You could see him on a Monday and Tuesday limping around the training pitch half of the time because the break was that bad when he was up in Scotland,” Weir said.

“But he just does not complain, he knuckles down and trains on.

“You will not see him shy away in a game just because his leg is a wee bit sore.

“Knowing the character of the man he is a strong individual.”