England get good news ahead of Bok clash

SPOTLIGHT: England head coach Steve Borthwick received a playmaker boost ahead of his side’s end-of-year Tests.

There has been a major spotlight on George Ford’s fitness after he left the field early with a quad injury during Sale Sharks’ Premiership clash against Saracens last weekend.

Earlier this week, Sale boss Alex Sanderson confirmed that the 31-year-old had a tear in his quad and that they were awaiting further assessment on the extent of the damage.

However, the club has now issued an update on the injury and it looks promising.

“Sale Sharks can confirm that flyhalf George Ford suffered a tear to his right quad during the early stages of the Premiership Round Two game at Saracens on Saturday,” said a statement.

“Following a positive consultation with a specialist it was decided that George does not require surgery and he will now begin his rehab ahead of a busy period for club and country.”

England will kick off their November internationals at Twickenham against the All Blacks on November 2.

They will face the Wallabies a week later before a mouth-watering clash against the Springboks on November 16.

England will end the November Test window with a match against Japan on November 24.