England forwards coach Steve Borthwick has admitted that flanker Brad Shields is being monitored ahead of the Six Nations opener against Ireland next weekend.
Shields picked up a side strain problem with Wasps and has been unable to train with his England team-mates so far at the warm weather training camp in Portugal.
The 27-year-old, who has five caps to his name under Eddie Jones, has been linked with a start against Joe Schmidt’s side at blindside flanker, with Chris Robshaw continuing his recovery from knee surgery with Harlequins this weekend.
However, talking to Sky Sports, Borthwick revealed that Shields hasn’t resumed full training yet but is hoping the New Zealand-born back row will return next week.
Brad is continuing his recovery, doing some good running sessions and is increasing that day on day.
He hasn’t been in team training yet but we’re aiming for him to be in full training next week.
Borthwick then shared Eddie Jones’ options if Shields fails to make it back in time for the clash with Ireland.
Mark Wilson in particular has shown how he can play across all back-row positions.
His performances in the autumn playing at eight were outstanding. He’ll have played more at flanker than he has at eight, so that’s one option. Jack Clifford is another option and he can play for us across the back row.
And then we have the versatility of a couple of our second rows to play in the back row.
