England are ready to throw Courtney Lawes straight into their crunch Six Nations clash with Wales in Cardiff if he impresses during training; scrum coach Richard Cockerill insists there would be no qualms over naming Lawes in the starting XV or on the bench on February 25
Last Updated: 15/02/23 3:07pm
Courtney Lawes could go straight into England’s crunch Six Nations clash with Wales if he impresses during training
England coach Richard Cockerill expects Courtney Lawes to play some part in his side’s crunch Six Nations meeting against Wales a week on Saturday, provided the team’s vice-captain impresses during training.
Lawes has been receiving treatment in camp in the hope of facing Wales, having struggled with a calf injury that has prevented him from featuring so far in this year’s tournament.
Lawes’ last international appearance was as captain during the July tour to Australia but concussion followed by glute and calf problems have limited him to only 170 minutes of rugby for his club Northampton this season.
The 33-year-old, who can play lock or flanker, will take part in his first full-blooded practice session on Thursday as he closes in on his comeback.
Having amassed 96 caps for England and five for the Lions, scrum coach Cockerill insists there would be no qualms over naming Lawes in the starting XV or on the bench despite his lack of game time.
“Courtney has done parts of training this week. He’ll take full part tomorrow (Thursday) and next week he should be taking full part in training. Hopefully he’ll be available for selection,” Cockerill said.
“Depending on how he trains, there’s probably no concern over picking him. He’s an experienced player and he’s had long injuries previously and come back in and played well, for both club and country. So that doesn’t really concern us when it comes to a guy of his stature.”
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