Lawes race to be fit for Six Nations
COURTNEY LAWES is in grave danger of being ruled out of England’s training camp this week due to a calf injury — leaving his availability for the start of the Six Nations in serious doubt.
The 33-year-old Northampton forward suffered his latest setback of a troubled season on Saturday, when he was forced off before half-time as the Saints lost at home to French side and title-holders La Rochelle in the Champions Cup.
It was only Lawes’ third start of this campaign after a lengthy lay- off following a concussion in late September, then a glute problem which sidelined him during the festive period.
Last Monday, the veteran Lion was named in Steve Borthwick’s first England squad as one of two vice-captains who would support skipper Owen Farrell.
But Lawes is chronically short of game-time. Having led the national team to a 2-1 series victory in Australia last summer, he missed the autumn campaign which led to the abrupt end of the Eddie Jones regime. He remains four caps short of reaching a Test century for his country.
Asked about the injury sustained by his flanker on Saturday, Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson said: ‘He had a tight calf and didn’t feel like he could play on. He’ll get it scanned and I’m sure England will be waiting on that.’
If Lawes is unavailable, Ollie Chessum or Nick Isiekwe may be considered by Borthwick as other locks who can be deployed at blindside.