Eddie Jones has ruled Courtney Lawes out of the rest of the autumn insisting his skipper’s health is more important than a swift comeback.
Lawes, who captained England in their 2-1 summer win over Australia, has concussion issues after a knock playing for Northampton against Leicester on 25 September. The 33-year-old back row has been going through return to play protocols at Saints but Jones says he can have as much time as he wants.
Lawes would have been favourite to retain the captaincy for the autumn tests which kicked off with a disastrous 30-29 reverse to Argentina on Sunday. And with a World Cup looming next year, the head coach wants one of his leading players fit and ready for the Six Nations.
“There’s been no movement there at the moment,” said Jones. “I’m worried about his health, at this time; that he gets back to 100 per cent health. If it takes a little bit of time, the most important thing is his health and he’ll get back to playing rugby when he’s ready."
Northampton coach Ian Vass revealed Lawes is in good spirits despite his impatience in wanting to return. "He's still going through his protocols," Vass said. "He's been in and around the club training and running. He seems happy in himself and he's probably as impatient as anyone else to see himself on the field."
Lawes will not feature again until he passes the stages of the return-to-play concussion protocols with Northampton. He has moved back to the earlier stage of his protocol, focusing on gym work and training exercises which are contact-free.
The England captain's head injury is particularly concerning given he already spent six weeks out with a similar problem before this year's Six Nations. Lawes returned to captain his country in the final three matches of the tournament.
His setback is a blow for Jones and England with huge tests still to come against a rejuvenated New Zealand and world champions South Africa.
Meanwhile, the defeat to the Pumas last Saturday was England’s fifth in nine internationals this year and Jones wants his side fired up against Japan back at Twickenham on Saturday.
He added: “I want us to be angry and play with a certain sort of anger. We dominated territory and possession, but we just weren’t good enough at converting that pressure into points. We need to be a bit more aggressive and assertive in the way that we attack. I’ve got no doubt that we will do that.”
