Sweeney in hospital after blood clot

The Rugby Football Union expect their chief executive Bill Sweeney to make a full recovery despite the 64-year-old remaining in hospital to be treated for a pulmonary embolism. Sweeney will not be in position at Twickenham for the foreseeable future and he continues to be monitored by medical staff after he fell ill last Friday. his RFU duties will be divided among other executives while he focuses on returning to full health. A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that develops in a blood vessel in the body. ‘Bill is expected to make a full recovery and return to work. he is in good spirits and is being well looked after,’ said an RFU statement. ‘Bill will be recuperating for the next few weeks, initially in hospital but returning home soon. ‘In the interim, the RFU executive team will ensure Union matters continue to be managed effectively. ‘Bill would like to convey his strongest possible appreciation for the NhS who perform such incredible work.’ Meanwhile, Sale will unleash england centre Manu Tuilagi against Racing 92 in Paris on Sunday in the Champions Cup quarter-finals. Tuilagi was left out of Sale’s win over Newcastle last week to prepare for the trip to France. ‘he’s well primed,’ said Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson. ‘he’s better than he would have been if he’d played last week.’ Speaking about the prospect of victory, Sanderson added: ‘We know we’re the underdogs but we are relishing the opportunity.’