CHRIS FOY’S GAINLINE

GAVIN HENSON suffered a serious shoulder injury on his return to Aviva Premiership action for Bristol in their 31-13 defeat by Sale Sharks. Bristol’s Henson, 34, was making his first appearance for the Premiership’s basement side in their clash at Ashton Gate after a leg injury left him sidelined from September 3. The former British and Irish Lion (above) came off after only 12 minutes when he fell awkwardly on the point of his shoulder in a tackle. Bristol director of rugby Andy Robinson revealed Henson faces a lengthy layoff. ‘It is a serious shoulder injury which is a real shame,’ he said. ‘We really feel for him. It is a potential operation that is needed to the shoulder but we will find out more later.’

BILLY VUNIPOLA welcomed fresh proof of Saracens’ formidable depth, as the champions coped with the absence of Maro Itoje and George Kruis to beat Leicester 24-10 at Allianz Park. With their England locks missing due to injury, Jim Hamilton and Michael Rhodes — a flanker by trade — joined forces superbly in the second row. Vunipola said: ‘The boys did exceptionally well. Jim had a great one for the team and Rhodesy got man of the match.’ Vunipola will join England’s training camp in the Algarve this week and added: ‘I’m a little bit nervous and looking forward to Portugal, which will be tough.’

DANNY CARE scored an early try as Harlequins thrashed Worcester 36-14 at The Stoop, before paying tribute to fellow try-scorer and England centre prospect, Joe Marchant. ‘Hopefully he keeps knocking on England’s door and it is only a matter of time before he makes the step up,’ said Care.