 Thompson faces a race to be fit |
England hooker Steve Thompson's hopes of being fit for next month's Tests took a blow when he was forced to delay his comeback from a rib injury. Thompson hoped to return in Saints' Heineken Cup fixture against Llanelli Scarlets on Saturday.
But he is still suffering with the injury sustained against Sale two weeks ago and failed a late fitness test.
Thompson now has just next Friday's Premiership match with Leeds to prove his fitness before England face Canada.
Mark Regan took over the number two jersey from Thompson on England's summer tour to New Zealand and Australia after the latter's post-World Cup slump in form.
The Leeds hooker is likely to start against Canada if Thompson is not fit, although Sale's Andy Titterrell is also in the Englamd training squad.
Titterrell has one cap, coming on as a substitute against the All Blacks last summer.
His athleticism and mobility have won many admirers, although doubts linger over whether he is too small at 5ft 8in for Test rugby.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 