England boss gives bleak update on Lawes' return
INJURY UPDATE: England boss Eddie Jones will put Courtney Lawes’ health first after hinting his captain will not return from a concussion during the current November Nations Series.
Lawes is yet to return to action having suffered a head injury in Northampton’s defeat by Leicester on September 24.
With the veteran flank still symptomatic as he progresses through the concussion protocols, Jones has effectively ruled him out of the remaining Nations Series fixtures against Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.
Lawes already has a history of concussion, including a six-week spell out earlier this year.
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“There’s no movement with Courtney at the moment,” Jones said on Tuesday.
“Initially I kept in touch with Courtney but given that he needs some rest now rather than feeling like he has to rush to come back, we are allowing it to take its natural course.
“We are in communication with his medical staff but we are letting him rest and come back. We’re hopeful that he will be back for the Six Nations and ready to go.
“I’m worried about his health at this time – that he gets back to 100 percent health. But these things have a natural course — some heal quicker than others.
“If it takes a little bit of time, the most important thing is his health and he’ll get back to playing rugby when he’s ready.”
With Lawes sidelined, Owen Farrell will continue as England captain as they aim to bounce back from their first loss to Argentina since 2009.
#ICYMI: “We are disappointed to lose Anthony but we are really pleased for him as a career move.” #rugby #news @EnglandRugby https://t.co/fx66H8yGuE
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