LAWES IS STILL SUFFERING FROM HEAD-INJURY SYMPTOMS, SAYS NORTHAMPTON BOSS DOWSON

NORTHAMPTON boss Phil Dowson says that England captain Courtney Lawes continues to have symptoms after suffering a head injury five weeks ago.

The England and Saints forward (right) has not played since September 24, and he pulled out of this week’s national squad training camp in Jersey as he follows required return-to-play protocols.

England kick-off their Autumn Nations Series campaign against Argentina next Sunday, which is followed by Twickenham appointments with Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.

‘He went to see a specialist this week. He will keep going through the process until he feels better,’ Dowson said, following Saints’ 45-31 Gallagher Premiership victory over Bristol at Franklin’s Gardens.

‘It’s day by day with Courtney. He is biking, lifting weights and running. He still gets symptoms, and we cannot move beyond that point until he is OK.

‘If he feels brilliant on Monday and he is flying around and Eddie (Jones) wants him to play some minutes, it’s up to him. ‘He won’t necessarily need to play for us first because he usually drops right in. It will be interesting to see what Eddie says.’ Alex Mitchell ran the show as Northampton condemned Bristol to a fourth successive Premiership defeat.

Scrum-half Mitchell, who has been overlooked by Jones for the Autumn Tests, sparked a first-half try blitz by crossing twice in six minutes.

Wing Ollie Sleightholme and lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto followed suit before the break as Northampton secured a bonus point after just 32 minutes.

Matt Proctor added a fifth touchdown early in the second period, with debutant fly-half Fin Smith kicking five conversions and a penalty as he impressed following his arrival from Worcester.