Following a number of concussions, current England skipper Courtney Lawes is yet to return to full training ahead of the Autumn Nations Series.
Lawes suffered his latest concussion against Leicester Tigers on 24th September, but remains some way off a return to full training.
Northampton boss Phil Dowson confirmed the 33-year-old remains stood down from rugby due to a concussion issue, which previously forced him to miss the first two rounds of this year’s Six Nations.
“We’re making sure he’s 100 per cent when he comes back,” Dowson said of Lawes.
“That can be quite convoluted and there are different stages. He’s not doing contact yet.”
Eddie Jones will name his squad on October 17 with a number of other players still sidelined.
The Aussie will definitely be without back-five forward options Nick Isiekwe and Charlie Ewels for the November games with Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.
He may also be without Mako Vunipola following his sending off against Newcastle Falcons over the weekend. The 31-year-old will find out his fate in a disciplinary hearing later today.
EDITORS PICKS:
- The 100 greatest rugby players of all-time have been named
- Maro Itoje’s staggering contract demands
- Sergio Parisse names the best XV of players he’s seen
- Mike Ashley set to become richest rugby club owner
- Christian Wade scores stunning try on his Racing 92 debut
Mike Tindall picks his England XV for the Autumn Nations Series
Unavailable for England selection due to injury: Alfie Barbeary, Nic Dolly, Alex Dombrandt, Charlie Ewels, George Ford, Sam Jeffries, Maro Itoje, Nick Isiekwe, Courtney Lawes, Sam Underhill, Anthony Watson…
ENGLAND XV FOR AUTUMN NATIONS SERIES:
BACK-THREE:
- 15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
- 14. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
- 11. Henry Arundell (London Irish)
CENTRES:
- 13. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks)
- 12. Owen Farrell (Saracens)
