These three players are in a race against time to prove themselves fit for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, which kicks off in September.
1. Brad Shields
Shields will be out for up to six weeks, meaning he may not play again before the squad depart for the World Cup in Japan. The 28-year-old returned home early from a training camp in Italy last week after injuring a foot. He now faces a race to prove his fitness before England's World Cup opener against Tonga on 22 September.
2. Mako Vunipola
News that a torn hamstring would compromise his Rugby World Cup preparations sent tremors through the England camp. The loosehead’s prodigious work-rate – as a carrier and tackler – makes him the world’s leading prop when supplemented by his growing authority as a scrummager. He is on course to be fit “in August” according to Mitchell after his hamstring issue.
Mako Vunipola of Saracens during the Aviva Premiership Final between Exeter Chiefs and Saracens at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on May 26. - PHOTO: Cameron Geran/PPAUK/Aviva
3. Jack Nowell
Nowell is highly unlikely to feature in England's first World Cup warm-up match against Wales on 11 August. The winger returned home from England's training camp in Italy for a routine medical assessment as he continues to recover from ankle surgery. He will continue rehabilitation at his club
Exeter Chiefs Jack Nowell at Sandy Park on December 16th 2019, Exeter, Devon. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
