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Rugby Union

Robinson injury worries England

21/02/2007

England were given a major injury worry today when Jason Robinson hurt his shoulder in training.

The world champions face Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday in a crucial RBS Six Nations clash, but will be sweating over their in-form wing's fitness.

Robinson picked up what the England coaching staff called "a knock" and it is not yet clear if he has sustained any serious damage.

"Jason just got a bit of a knock on his shoulder. He's gone off to see the doctor," coach Mike Ford said. "We don't know how he is at this stage but hopefully he'll be okay."

England got off to a flying start in their RBS Six Nations opener against Scotland earlier this month, but stuttered a little in the win over Italy ten days ago.

New head coach Brian Ashton will be keen to get his mini-revival back on track with a victory - and perhaps more importantly a decent performance - away to Ireland.

Robinson, who Ashton persuaded to come out of international retirement, has been one of England's best players in the Six Nations, bagging three tries in the opening two games.

Ireland, the pre-tournament favourites, lost to France in their last fixture meaning they must beat England to have a realistic chance of winning the Six Nations title.

Captain Brian O'Driscoll is expected to return after missing the last game with a hamstring injury.

If Robinson's shoulder problem does prove to be serious, it will be a massive blow to England but it will also be bad news for his club Sale.

The Guinness Premiership champions have lost a number of players to injury while with the England squad.

As well as Robinson, Andrew Sheridan faced a long layoff and Mark Cueto was also ruled out of a number of Sale's games after picking up injuries on international duty.

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