Monday Round-Up

Farrell injury: This weekend’s final round of European rugby action could not have been more cruel to England head coach Stuart Lancaster, with an injury list as long as his arm to contend with, less than two weeks out from the crucial Six Nations opener with Wales. The latest high profile name to have his availability thrown into doubt is flyhalf Owen Farrell, after the Sarries man limped off during their 18-6 loss away to French Top 14 outfit, Clermont. After shipping a severely heavy knock from Julien Bardy which saw his knee twisted in the turf, Farrell eventually left the Stade Marcel Michelin on crutches and with his knee heavily strapped in a brace. While Sarries boss Mark McCall did his best to play down the extent of the injury, it is as yet unknown how long the flyhalf will be absent for. Farrell is due to undergo scans on Monday to determine the diagnosis. Elsewhere, Bath’s Kyle Eastmond picked up a knock to his already troublesome shoulder injury, throwing his participation in the curtain raiser into doubt also. Eastmond was forced from the field during Bath’s crucial win over Toulouse, although the situation looks far rosier for the former Rugby League man than Farrell.

Parra gets nod: French head coach Philippe Saint-Andre has turned to Clermont scrum half and playmaker Morgan Parra to cover the void left by injuries sustained over the course of the weekend’s European club rugby action. 26 year old Parra, who has been left in the wilderness due to a combination of injuries and poor form, will link up with the national squad in Perpignan as they begin their two week preparations in time for their Six Nations opener against Scotland in Paris. With Toulon scrum half Sebastien Tillous Borde due to undergo medical check ups on Monday and Racing Metro fullback Brice Dulin ruled out through injury, Parra has been called in as injury cover for the time being. With 56 caps to his name and with a string of impressive performances to his name, don’t be surprised if Saint-Andre turns to Parra in his hour of need.

Ryan Sheady