Launchbury closing in on return

JoeLaunchbury-Cropped

England lock Joe Launchbury is poised to return from a neck problem in late April or early May, according to Wasps' director of rugby Dai Young.

Launchbury has not played since October because of a bulging disc in his neck that eventually required surgery and forced him to miss the Six Nations.

"Around the Exeter [April 26] or Leicester [May 9] game really, that's what we are hoping," Young told BBC Radio 5 live.

"Those are the games we are targeting. It will be like a new signing, to be honest. It will be great to have him back."

Asked about Launchbury's prospects of featuring for England at the Rugby World Cup, Young added: ""I'm sure he will be in the training squad and have opportunities in the warm-up games.

"You have to take it one step at a time. But he's well down the track now. He's coming to the end stage of his rehab.

"He'll certainly play before the end of the season for us. He will get a couple of games under his belt."

 

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