NOTTINGHAM Rugby has suffered a double blow with Rhys Crane and Tim Streather suffering injuries against Jersey at the weekend.

Both Crane and Streather sustained a broken hand in the match.

STRONG HAND: Crane still managed to score against Jersey despite playing on with a broken hand.

Despite the injury, Crane played the full 80 minutes of the 48-16 win over the Islanders, managing to score his late second half try by gripping the ball with his good right hand.

Streather, who suffered a less severe break of a small bone in his hand, is expected to have a shorter recovery time. Medics, however, are yet to fully assess the centre's condition.

Nottingham head coach Martin Haag is disappointed to lose both speedsters at the same time, but said the start of the British and Irish Cup would be an ideal opportunity for other players to impress.

"At the start of the season I said that our success would come down to a squad effort," Haag said.

"The opportunity is there for guys who haven't played as much this season to step-up and make a permanent challenge for their place in the team."