England duo set to miss Bok assignment

Steve Borthwick has been dealt a major blow ahead of England’s July Test against the Springboks at Ellis Park.

Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson has confirmed that front-row pair Luke Cowan-Dickie and Bevan Rodd are facing season-ending injuries, putting their involvement in the Bok Test in serious jeopardy.

The duo were both injured during Sale’s 26-17 win over Harlequins in London, a result that booked their place in the Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals.

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Cowan-Dickie, who scored twice in the victory, is believed to have suffered a broken wrist or forearm, while Rodd dislocated his shoulder.

“I think that’s probably their season over,” said Sanderson.

“Luke is a tough boy and he believes he’s broken his wrist or forearm.

“Bevan dislocated his shoulder but had it put back in on the field, but I think that’s probably their season over with the summer tour for England also in jeopardy.”

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The injuries rule both players out of Sale’s run-in, and crucially, leave them in a race against time to be fit for England’s opening Nations Championship fixture in Johannesburg on 4 July.

Both forwards were involved throughout England’s recent Six Nations campaign, with Cowan-Dickie sharing hooking duties and Rodd providing cover off the bench – making their absence a significant setback for Borthwick.

England will also host Fiji and travel to Argentina in July.

Photo: Alex Davidson/Getty Images

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