LEE Fortey's pre-season training has stalled after a serious car crash.

The Worcester Warriors' prop, who is likely to be a key figure for the National One champions next season, is recovering from whiplash injuries after his car was written off.

The 28-year-old was queuing up in traffic when a car failed to stop and crashed into the back of his vehicle at high speed.

Now, Fortey is struggling with neck stiffness and doesn't know when he'll be able to return to training.

"My neck is quite sore and Clare Woodward (Worcester's physio) has told me I have to rest, keep taking the anti-inflammatory tablets and just take it day by day," said Fortey. I'm getting the odd dizzy spell so it's just a case of being careful and getting myself right.

"It's frustrating because I've had a good three weeks of training under my belt and I now have to stop. The lay-off will certainly put me back but hopefully everything will be OK because there is still a long time before the season starts."

The former Gloucester man, who is gearing up for Worcester's Premiership baptism, admitted that he was relieved his injuries weren't more serious.

"It all happened so quickly because the car got a real whack," he added. "The first thing I did, though, was to check that my legs were OK.

"I was so relieved because I'm getting married in seven weeks!

"I think the car must have been doing between 60-70mph when it hit me so I guess I'm lucky that it wasn't more serious. It certainly gives you a wake up call, though, because you don't think it's going to happen to you and then it does just out of the blue."

Fortey is likely to be a key component of the Sixways squad this season because of his versatility.

His twin brother, Chris, at Gloucester has proved himself as a top class hooker and Fortey could soon be following in his footsteps when fit.

"Certainly, Lee as hooker is an option for us next season," said Keast.

"He's been throwing in training and, with his size, his versatility to play across the front row is very useful."