BOURNEMOUTH are likely to be without rocket winger Wyn Roberts until after Christmas.

The former Wales sevens international, nicknamed 'The Flying Doctor' due to his off-pitch profession, will probably be ruled out until 2018 due to work commitments.

Lions boss Will Croker told the Daily Echo: "Wyn is opening a new GP practice and is flat out until Christmas.

"It's a body blow but Harry Davis, who has come in, has done amazingly and has mitigated the loss substantially.

"It's a shame for Wyn because he is desperate to play."

Roberts has proved a potent weapon for Bournemouth since arriving at Chapel Gate in 2013.

A former flier with Jersey Reds in the Championship, the medic has scored a jaw-dropping 67 tries in 84 appearances and shares the record for the most hat-tricks in club history.

Roberts was Lions' leading try scorer in consecutive seasons, leading to him taking home the player-of-the-season award for 2016-17.

The sporting idols of the former Leicester Tigers academy ace are Wales legend Shane Williams and long jump star Greg Rutherford, who won gold at London 2012.

Lions will hope to close the gap on second-place Newton Abbot when they travel to Ivybridge on Saturday.

Ivybridge are fourth-bottom and have lost their past three South West Premier games.