The Cardiff Blues captain suffered a “significant knee injury” in the closing stages of Wales’ stunning triumph over South Africa last weekend. But despite the setback Mulvihill is confident Jenkins will return stronger than ever.
“We know it is a significant knee injury at the moment and he needs to consult a surgeon in London to get the final word on what course of action to take,” explained Mulvihill.
“His recovery will be mapped out along a timeline and guys like Ellis, who are committed to the cause, usually beat the timelines. He is someone who has come back from injury set-backs before and I’m sure he will use that energy he has to make as swift a recovery as possible.
“I’m sure he will aim to be back before the World Cup next year. All players going through a re-hab process map out their progress with the medical staff from getting off crutches, out of braces and into weight bearing and so on.
“However long he is out, we will support him along the way. The boys have been great with him about the place, but there are going to be periods in his recovery when he is going to feel pretty down and we just need to make sure we are there for him.”
Mulvihill admitted he knew instantly that it was a bad injury as he watched the closing moments of a game in which Jenkins was named man of the match.
“It is devastating for him. I was watching the game with some friends and I told them he was going to be named the man of the match. Then 30 seconds later I saw the tackle and the clean out and I just knew he was done.
“It is a big blow for him because he was getting to finish that game on a high after putting in a lot of heart and soul over a good four-week block for the national team. He played fantastically well, but sometimes rugby is cruel and that’s what happens.”
