Cronje leaves Quins without playing

Cronje has stayed in London and is deciding whether to return to South Africa or try to look for another club in England. At 24, he is sure to find a place in top-class rugby if he can recover from the injury. Cronje, at 6ft 7in and 18st, is one of the most intimidating sights in world rugby. But the lock, who won the first of his three caps against New Zealand in the 2003 Tri-Nations, is also a controversial figure.

Two years ago he was accused of refusing to share a room with a black team-mate, Quinton Davids, at a pre-World Cup training camp.

Both players were thrown out of the squad and, although Cronje was cleared of racism after an official investigation and went on to win two more caps, he has struggled to escape the stigma of the original allegation.

He had hoped to make a fresh start with Quins where he could wipe away what he called " misconceptions about him".

Last week, Quins signed Cronje's compatriot Dave von Hoesslin, the Natal Sharks scrum-half, and he could make his debut against Leicester at Welford Road on Saturday.

Scott admits Quins have a massive fight on their hands to stay in the Premiership. The club's hopes have not been helped by news that fly-half Andy Dunne has broken a bone in his foot and could be out for up to eight weeks.

Scott said: "We all know the challenge that we face. The bottom of the table has six teams all battling to avoid finishing in 12th position and we are one of them.

"Hard work, self-belief and determination will see us through."

After Leicester, Quins take on Gloucester at home on 5 February before their crucial battle with fellow strugglers Worcester on 19 February.