England lock Joe Launchbury will be available for the side’s Rugby World Cup opening game according to forwards coach Steve Borthwick.
The Wasps captain came off during the first
half of England’s impressive 37-0 win over Italy last Friday and there was fear
amongst fans that he had sustained a nasty injury.
However, Borthwick has confirmed that he
will be ready to go once the tournament begins in what is a huge relief for the
team.
“Joe Launchbury came off with a back injury but there’s nothing concerning there. Joe will recover from the flight and will be good to go,” he said.
As well as Launchbury, centre Henry Slade
could be in line to face Tonga in their opening game on September 22nd
as he recovers from a knee injury.
Meanwhile, star prop Mako Vunipola and
utility back Jack Nowell should come into the mix for key pool fixtures against
Argentina and France as the English look to build on their fine form shown in
the warm-up games.
The squad arrived in Japan on Monday, but
faced major delays due to Typhoon Faxai, however, Borthwick is delighted they
have now settled down in their Miyazaki base and believes the players are happy
too.
“The players are enjoying it. It’s a great training camp here in Miyazaki. I know that from my previous experience coaching with Japan at the last World Cup. You couldn’t have asked for better facilities and the players have enjoyed how we’ve started,” he added.
The news that a host of star players are set to return to the fold in the coming weeks will be welcomed by many fans as they will only add to a team that has been seriously impressive in their World Cup preparation games while those players were side-lined.
