Manu Tuilagi set for injury comeback
xplosive centre Manu Tuilagi could be unleashed for Sale Sharks this weekend when the northern side face Harlequins on Sunday in the Gallagher Premiership.
45-cap international Tuilagi has not played since injuring his hamstring while scoring a try for England in the Autumn Nations Cup win over South Africa.
But he now looks on to be on the verge of a return on the opening weekend of the Six Nations.
“It’s a very definite maybe for this weekend I have to say,” divulged Sale director fo rugby Alex Sanderson at his weekly media briefing when asked about the latest likely return date for Tuilagi.
“He has been out there the last two weeks. This week he has trained really well, looked sharp, looked good, happy. Yes, he is up for selection. Fit.”
However, Sanderson is hopeful his star man will not be rushed straight back into international action. He said “More than one [club] game would be advisable. His load has to be incrementally increased. We are over-cautions so.
“That is what we are aiming towards but I am being flexible on either side of that depending on how he feels and his communication with England. I don’t really have a say in it. I have just got to see how he feels, see what the physios say and it is England’s call then really.”
Former England skipper backs Tom Curry for captaincy
The race to be England captain this weekend is believed to be down to three candidates.
With Owen Farrell and Courtney Lawes missing through injury, England head coach Eddie Jones is expected to select his leader from a group of 'vice-captains' that includes Sale Sharks’ Curry, Exeter Chiefs’ Luke Cowan-Dickie and Leicester Tigers’ Ellis Genge.
Former England captain Lewis Moody believes a fellow flanker Curry would be the best call.
He said: "I think it would be a fantastic call, I do. Tom is a brilliant player and he does seem to be a fairly natural leader,” Moody told the Evening Standard.
“For me, the captain is about someone firstly and foremost who you want to follow on the field.
“You want to know they are going to give nothing but 100 per cent and be supremely confident, consistent and owning their jersey week in, week out. Tom does that in every game that he plays.
WRU to impose booze restrictions at the Principality Stadium
Principality Stadium bars will close after half-time and weaker beer will be sold during Wales' three home Six Nations matches in Cardiff in a bid to curb anti-social behaviour.
The Welsh Rugby Union has announced it will trial new measures during the 2022 men's championship to help improve the matchday experience following two pitch invader incidents and numerous anti-social behaviour reports during the autumn series.
The new measures, which include pre-match WRU messaging emphasising responsible drinking, position behaviour and consideration of others, will be subject to an ongoing review. Lower percentage alcohol draught beer will also be phased into bars on concourses, with Heineken bringing in 4.1% ABV Amstel Bier to eventually replace the stronger Heineken (5%) product.
