1
The England verdict on the return of Kyle Sinckler
By Liam Heagney
England forwards coach Richard Cockerill has given his verdict on how Kyle Sinckler is faring in his first involvement with the squad since the final round of last season’s Guinness Six Nations. The tighthead played off the bench in the championship finale last March away to France following a concussion when starting the previous week against Ireland.
ADVERTISEMENT
A back injury then ruled him out of the England summer tour to Australia and he was also excluded from the three-day training camp Eddie Jones held in London during the early part of the 2022/23 season. The England boss said at the time that it was best for Sinckler to continue his comeback at Bristol rather than link up with the international squad.
However, the prop has since earned a recall and has been busy with Jones and co in Jersey this week at their five-day camp ahead of the four-match Autumn Nations Series which begins on November 6 against Argentina at Twickenham.
“He looks in great nick, he looks in really great physical condition and look, he is keen to win his spot back and prove he is one of the world’s best tightheads,” said Cockerill about the 29-year-old, who recently signed a contract extension that will keep him at Bristol until the summer of 2024.
“He has been in great form on and off the field and obviously with the injury to Will Stuart, he is going to be important to this campaign. We’re happy to have him back and it is good to see him in such condition both mentally and physically.”
Cockerill was also asked for his thoughts on Jack Willis, the back-rower who was made redundant and left clubless on October 17 when Wasps fell into administration. “He has come into camp in good shape and his attitude is first class. We haven’t really discussed it in any depth with him. His job is to come into England camp and deal with what is in front of him. He is a quality, quality player and I have no doubt it won’t be long before he finds a club that will take him and he can get on with his life.
“Look, he is a great lad, works hard, got a great attitude towards life. Clearly, it is a difficult time for guys in that situation but he has come into England camp just thinking about trying to play for England and there has been no hang-up in and around any of those guys who are in that situation.”
ADVERTISEMENT
