“In line with our seven-point elite rugby requirements, we strongly believe that players require a stand down period of at least 21 days following a brain injury. With such an enviable squad to pick from, it seems an excellent opportunity to err on the side of caution”
Owen Farrell has been lined up to start England’s autumn rugby campaign just two weeks after he was knocked out playing for his club.
Eddie Jones named him in his squad for Sunday’s clash with Argentina, although he has one more day of head-injury tests before he can be signed off.
Barring any issue today he will be cleared to win his 98th England cap and set himself on course to complete his century against New Zealand at Twickenham in a fortnight.
His return is a massive boost for Jones who describes the 31-year old as an “icon” and “one of the all-time greats” of the game. But there is concern elsewhere.