Tuesday Round-Up

Brown struggling for weekend: England head coach Stuart Lancaster has confirmed that fullback Mike Brown is in a race agains time to face Ireland this weekend, with the Harlequin struggling to make a full recovery from concussion. One of England’s most potent attacking threats in recent years, Brown was stretchered from the field having been involved in a significant clash during England’s comprehensive victory over Italy, on February 14th. Last year’s Six Nations Player of the Tournament is not officially due back in full training until Friday, following the strict return to play protocol guidelines currently in place. Having initially made a swift recovery last week, Brown suffered a recurrence of symptoms following some strenuous exercise on the bike and has been forced to start the entire process again. Should Brown come through the next 24 hours unscathed, there is a good chance he will take his place at the back of England’s back line. However, if he fails to progress in his recovery, it is likely that Saracens fullback Alex Goode will take over in the 15 jersey, with Chris Pennell being the other option, having been called into the squad.

Ban for Franks: Crusaders prop forward Owen Franks has been handed a two week suspension for striking an opponent, over the course of Saturday’s clash with the Highlanders in Dunedin. Franks, who was cited under Law 10.4(a): Punching or striking, by Duty Judicial Officer Robert Steizner, will now sit ou the coming two weeks of action, up to and including the 8th of March. iN determining his sentence, Steizner initially handed down a three week ban which was reduced to two based on Franks’ previously untarnished disciplinary record. The suspension means Franks will sit out this weekend’s clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton.

Ryan Sheady