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Cowan-Dickie's next move as England Test eligibility confirmed
By Ian Cameron
It's being reported that England hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie is set to join Sale Sharks after successfully passing a recent medical.
Although ruled out of the Rugby World Cup, the move will provide Cowan-Dickie with an opportunity to extend his Test career. Gallagher Premiership finalists Sale are set to announce that they have secured the services of the 30-year-old hooker for the upcoming season, effectively offering him a fresh start after a switch to Top 14 giants Montpellier in France failed.
Cowan-Dickie's much vaunted move to the south of France was marred by a series of missed medical appointments, but it was the French rugby's stricter regulations concerning neck injuries which ultimately led to the cancellation of the deal.
The former Exeter Chiefs forward was then released from the England squad by coach Steve Borthwick last week, with persistent neck and shoulder issues cited as the cause. Despite this setback, Borthwick expressed his confidence in Cowan-Dickie's abilities and highlighted his importance to English rugby.
"One thing I'm confident of is that he'll be a big part of English rugby going forward," said Borthwick.
The opportunity to join Alex Sanderson's Sale Sharks presents the dynamic frontrower with a chance to prove his fitness and reclaim his place in the national setup. A British & Irish Lion in 2021, he's been a key figure in England's success in recent years.
Known for his physicality, agility, and outstanding set-piece skills, his absence from the World Cup was undoubtedly a blow for Borthwick, but with this move to Sale Sharks, Cowan-Dickie will remain eligible for selection once he returns to fitness. He will join fellow former Exeter players Tom O'Flaherty and England lock Jonny Hill in making the switch to the northern club.
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Latest Comments
I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.
Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.
Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.
They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.
That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.
Go to commentsGB = England, Scotland, Wales. UK = England, Wales, Scotland, NI
Nothing to stew son.
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