Eng call up Hodgson as Wilkinson cover
15 March 2010 (21:42)
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| Charlie Hodgson © Gallo Images |
England added Charlie Hodgson as cover to their squad for
fly-half Jonny Wilkinson on Monday, ahead of their Six Nations
finale away to France on Saturday.
Wilkinson, international rugby union's record point scorer, went
off with a head injury early in the second half of England's 15-15
draw away to Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday and was replaced
by Toby Flood.
Even if fully fit, Wilkinson's place is widely regarded as being
under some threat after a lacklustre match in Edinburgh.
A Rugby Football Union statement issued Monday said: "Charlie
Hodgson has been called up to the Senior England EPS (elite player
squad) as precautionary cover for Jonny Wilkinson who took a knock
to his head during the Six Nations match against Scotland on
Saturday.
"Jonny Wilkinson is being treated and reviewed by the England
medical team along with Ugo Monye who is making good progress from
the neck injury he sustained in the same game."
After the Scotland match, Wilkinson, who plays his club rugby
for French side Toulon, said: "I've got a stiff neck and I'm sore
but I'm definitely fit for selection."
Meanwhile Monye said he too expected to be available to face
France.
The Harlequins wing was taken off the field on a stretcher
following a clash of heads with Scotland back-row Kelly Brown at
Murrayfield.
X-rays revealed no significant damage but the caution of the
medics, given that it was only a matter of weeks since Scotland
wing Thom Evans was carried off in Cardiff after a sickening head
injury, was understandable.
"I had pain down the right side of my neck and pins and needles
and I still have some of that in my right arm and will be working
very closely with the England medical guys at our team hotel,"
Monye told Monday's edition of the London Evening Standard.
"I would love to be involved in the match with France and expect
to be able to take part in full contact sessions this week with the
rest of the squad," he added ahead of Saturday's match against the
Grand Slam chasing 'Les Bleus', which will take place at the Stade
de France.
"The care I received at the ground and in the hospital was
fantastic and I realise that my arguing about the need to be
carried off after the injury was due to me being dazed.
"I hate any fuss but with Thom Evans, the Scotland wing, having
suffered a serious neck injury against Wales, they were absolutely
right to take those precautions."
Monye was released from hospital on Saturday and rejoined the
England squad before their flight home.
England manager Martin Johnson is due to name his team to play
France on Wednesday.
Brown's condition is being monitored by Scotland doctor James
Robson and he will have to pass a series of tests before being made
available to play against Ireland in Dublin this Saturday.
Read more on the Six Nations page.
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