Farrell Floored for Two Months
Rugby Union: England will have to wait until the 6 Nations at the earliest for their first chance to experiment with Andy Farrell in Test action.
Andy Farrell's long-awaited rugby union debut has been put on hold for another two months after he underwent toe surgery.
The former Great Britain rugby league captain, who joined Saracens from Wigan earlier this summer, is facing eight weeks on the sidelines, dashing any hopes of him featuring for England during their autumn Tests.
The 30-year-old suffered the injury during a pre-season training match last month and exploratory surgery yesterday identified the problem as deep bone bruising. He will miss several Guinness Premiership games, two Powergen Cup fixtures and Saracens' opening Heineken Cup encounters against Biarritz and Treviso.
England head coach Andy Robinson is due to name his 30-man squad next Tuesday for November Tests against Australia, New Zealand and Samoa. "I've had frequent updates on Andy's injury and the England and Saracens medical teams have been in regular contact," said Robinson. "Like everyone connected with his club and England, I would like to wish him a full and speedy recovery."
Saracens head coach Mike Ford added: "We are obviously disappointed that Andy has been ruled out for a further period of time. But now he has had surgery we are pleased that the healing process has begun and we look forward to welcoming him back on to the pitch."
The former Great Britain rugby league captain, who joined Saracens from Wigan earlier this summer, is facing eight weeks on the sidelines, dashing any hopes of him featuring for England during their autumn Tests.
The 30-year-old suffered the injury during a pre-season training match last month and exploratory surgery yesterday identified the problem as deep bone bruising. He will miss several Guinness Premiership games, two Powergen Cup fixtures and Saracens' opening Heineken Cup encounters against Biarritz and Treviso.
England head coach Andy Robinson is due to name his 30-man squad next Tuesday for November Tests against Australia, New Zealand and Samoa. "I've had frequent updates on Andy's injury and the England and Saracens medical teams have been in regular contact," said Robinson. "Like everyone connected with his club and England, I would like to wish him a full and speedy recovery."
Saracens head coach Mike Ford added: "We are obviously disappointed that Andy has been ruled out for a further period of time. But now he has had surgery we are pleased that the healing process has begun and we look forward to welcoming him back on to the pitch."
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