Rapana blow for Force

The injury crisis at the Western Force has continued with young back Joelin Rapana ruled out for at least five weeks after breaking his hand last weekend.

Rapana was playing for the Australian Barbarians last Friday along with four other developing Force players as the club sought to give them valuable match time during the bye weekend.

The 23 year old sustained the injury late in the second half and scans revealed a broken bone in his right hand which will require a brace to be worn for at least a month.

RugbyWA general manager of rugby Mitch Hardy said the injury was unfortunate timing the talented back who had been impressive in his work rate and application since arriving in Perth at the start of the season.

"The Barbarians game was a great opportunity for Joelin and the other young players in our squad to get additional time on the field and it was just really unlucky for him to cop the injury," Hardy said.

"Our medical staff reviewed the scans and it is now a case of having his hand in a guard and immobilized for about five weeks."

"He is a very positive guy and already set his targets on getting back as soon as possible and contributing to the team in the latter part of the season."

Rapana joins David Pocock (finger), Richard Brown (shoulder), Andre Pretorius (hamstring) and Cameron Shepherd (thigh) as Force players sidelined for extended periods this season.