England injury blow as prop Cole is ruled out
ENGLAND’S Six Nations hopes took a significant knock last night after tight-head prop Dan Cole was ruled out of the rest of the tournament.
The Leicester Tigers star will require a “period of rest” in order to overcome a neck injury, England revealed in a statement.
With a crucial tie against Ireland this Saturday, the team will turn to either Bath’s David Wilson or Sale’s Henry Thomas, both of whom were part of the squad assembled at Pennyhill Park yesterday.
“It’s massively disappointing for Dan, Leicester and England but the important thing is that this has been diagnosed and that Dan gets the appropriate rest and treatment,” England boss Stuart Lancaster said.
“Our medics are working closely with Leicester’s to come up with a programme that will ensure Dan returns in the best possible shape.”
Wilson would normally be assumed to deputise for Cole, yet the 28-year-old, who has over 30 caps for England, has only just returned from a calf injury.
Thomas, meanwhile, came off the bench for Cole during the 20-0 victory over Scotland, yet the 22-year-old is still relatively inexperienced at international level.
Lancaster added: “It’s great to have Wilson back, as well as Thomas who has trained well. This will be an opportunity to develop experience in this area.”
Cole’s injury was described as “a bulging disc in his neck which is trapping a nerve” last night. It was discovered during a gym session last week. the statement said.
Leicester chief Richard Cockerill said Cole will not be rushed back. “He will have time to get over this issue and come back when the medical teams are satisfied with his progress,” Cockerill said.