by Owen Farrell and Luke Cowan-Dickie have teamed up with Courtney Lawes over a serious injury ahead of England’s first fall national team against Argentina, prompting manager Eddie Jones to have a big rethink.
Farrell left the field during the first half of the Saracens ’22-20 win over the Exeter Chiefs, after appearing unconscious due to an accidental head clash with Joe Simmonds’ knee.
The 31-year-old had been running for captaincy, with Lawes also recovering from a concussion, and now faces a mandatory 12-day suspension due to protocols introduced by World Rugby four months ago.
“Now he’s with the doctors,” said Mark McCall, the Saracens’ rugby director, when asked about Farrell’s prognosis. “Obviously he went for a medical examination [head injury assessment] and the normal procedure is a 12 day suspension. Hopefully this will give him enough time to play in the first test. “
Lawes’s predicament, however, showed that a longer absence could be in sight. Having led England to a 2-1 series win over Australia in July, he hasn’t played since the Northampton Saints were beaten by the Leicester Tigers in September. Phil Dowson, the Northampton Saints rugby director, suggested that Lawes would see a specialist in the next few days.
“He had a full day of training on Tuesday and had some symptoms,” Dowson said. “We’re just taking care of him and he goes back through the protocol whatever the system is to make sure. I saw him on the bike yesterday and he said he was feeling fine. He will continue to do weights, ride a bike and do all those pieces. We will gradually integrate him back into contact when he is available and ready ”.
Whether or not Farrell will travel to Jersey for England’s pre-fall retreat is likely to be confirmed on Sunday. As for captain options, England still have full-back Tom Curry, who captained them at the start of the 2022 Six Nations. being withdrawn due to a problem with the hip pointer.
When it comes to covering Cowan-Dickie, there’s less depth. A foot injury has already ruled out Jamie George for the entire fall. George McGuigan and Jack Singleton, the two remaining prostitutes, have two appearances between them. “It’s her knee,” explained Hepher, who took Cowan-Dickie off halfway. “She couldn’t go on but we’re not sure of the extent yet. We will have to evaluate “.
A 24-hour nightmare ends for Jones, which saw Jonny May and Henry Arundell suffer injuries in Gloucester’s 22-21 win at London Irish on Friday night. May dislocated his elbow, while Arundell left Gtech Community Stadium on crutches after suffering a sprain.
