Michael Essien stage and was out of action for six months, missing the majority of the 2008–09 season, before returning on 4 March to play for Chelsea Reserves against Aston Villa Reserves. He scored the last goal in the 4–3 loss. He still managed to take part in 10 of Ghana's 11 qualification matches, amassing more than 800 minutes of game time as Ghana finished at the top of their group to seal qualification to the 2010 World Cup. However, it was announced on 27 May 2010 that Essien would miss the World Cup after he was told he would not fully
South African Country Districts XV for the visitors, while Gareth Davies added 11 points through a conversion and three penalties. Lineups: On 26 May 1981 a Country Districts B XV recorded a 17-16 victory in Wellington against the touring Irish side whilst the following year they were defeated 33-24 by the second South American Jaguars touring side. The Country Districts side played against both the 1984 touring English and South American Jaguar sides.The team was drawn from players competing in the Sport Pienaar Cup,losing both fixtures 33-12 and 30-18 respectively. South African Country Districts XV The South African Country Districts XV was an invitational rugby