At the time he went in for the operation, we thought it would be four weeks out, and by Sunday it will be just under that four-week mark, |
Bristol have a big set of forwards, and I thought they deserved their win against Bath, so we will pay them every respect in our preparation. |
Everyone knows he was not comfortable with what happened on the Lions tour because he wasn't given a chance. He was thrown in, unprepared and out of position against one of the best teams in the world. |
He had a few bangs and bruises and he was pretty tired coming off at the end there as you'd expect after his first 40 minutes in six months. He's not going to change the way he plays. |
He is fine, but his adductor is just a little bit sore. There haven't been any complications or anything like that, it is just part of the recovery process and he isn't far away. |
He needs a fantastic pre-season and a great two months leading into the Autumn internationals. If you have seen what I have seen in the last three weeks, you will know this guy is a class act. |
He was a little bit sore on Monday and Tuesday, as expected, but he's trained well with the squad and there aren't really any issues there. |
He was pretty close for the Leeds game. |
He was pretty close for the Leeds game. We will see how we go tomorrow and Friday. We will not force him, as that would be stupid, but equally, if he is right for Sunday he will take some part. |
He won't be fit for Dublin, there's no doubt about that, but he might be fit for Scotland and Italy. |
He's okay. He was knocked out but he was okay when he came off and I think they (the medical team) are just taking precautions in case there is a bit of whiplash. |
I can categorically say I will not be putting my hat in the ring. |
I can categorically say I will not be putting my hat in the ring. It's not something I have ever coveted and it's not a position I am interested in taking up at this point in time. I am loyal to Newcastle and they have been fabulous to me. I feel that is where my responsibility lies. |
I hope he will have a full game with us against Bath on March 27. It is touch and go. |
I think it pretty much puts paid to the autumn internationals, |