Young relief as setback is avoided

THOMAS Young appears to have made it through his Wasps comeback following a nine-month injury lay-off with no lasting ill-effects.

The openside flanker played the last 19 minutes of Friday night’s 31-20 defeat to Edinburgh – his first appearance since March following hip, ankle, foot and calf injuries.

Despite director of rugby Dai Young revealing Thomas had received a knock during his return to action, it appears the 27-year-old hasn’t suffered a further setback.

Forwards coach Andy Titterrell gave an update at Wasps’ media session ahead of Wasps flanker Thomas Young Saturday’s reverse fixture between Wasps and Edinburgh Rugby at the Ricoh Arena.

“Thomas came through fine so I think it’s great to see him back out on the pitch.

“It’s about getting Thomas more game time and getting him up to speed.

“He’s been in and around training which is great. I know he’s had a period of time out which has been frustrating for him. It’s been hard for the squad as well, having one of your better players on the sideline. We’ve got him back now, hopefully we can keep him back.”

Fellow second-half substitute Brad Shields was withdrawn after 12 minutes after suffering a foot injury, raising fears it was a recurrence of the same complaint that ruled the flanker out of England’s World Cup.

Titterrell gave this update: “Brad’s gone for a scan and assessment, we will find out later on this week how bad that injury is. I think he’s a doubt.”