Wing Watson ready for his Bath return
ENGLAND star Anthony Watson is targeting Bath’s game against Sale on Friday night to end his 13-month injury absence. The 25- year- old has not played a minute of competitive rugby since rupturing his achilles in last year’s Six nations.
He resumed training several weeks ago, but, with the World Cup looming, Bath’s medics have resisted the urge to rush him back.
Sportsmail understands that he is hoping to have some involvement at the AJ Bell Stadium, with a place among the substitutes most likely.
The selectors are yet to make a final call although Todd Blackadder should have a clearer indication after training today.
Watson’s comeback will be good news for england coach eddie Jones, whose back- three reserves are stocked with Chris Ashton, Joe Cokanasiga, elliot Daly, Jonny May and Jack nowell. Watson was one of england’s leading candidates on the 2017 lions tour and Jones has remained in regular contact during his rehabilitation.
Jones received more welcome injury news yesterday when no 8 Sam Simmonds made his first appearance of the year for exeter reserves. Simmonds ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in September and initial fears suggested he could be out until July.
england’s no 8 hierarchy is not set in stone, with nathan Hughes yet to establish himself as the main understudy to injuryprone Billy Vunipola.
Meanwhile, defence coach Shaun edwards has moved closer to signing a new Wales deal after turning down a contract from Wasps. Dai Young, the Wasps director of rugby, revealed yesterday that edwards has made clear his intention to remain in international rugby.
‘We offered Shaun a contract but it doesn’t look like he’s coming now,’ Young told the Coventry
Telegraph. ‘We have very recently had confirmation from Shaun that he’s likely to be staying in international rugby and he won’t be looking to come to us in the short term.’