England star’s Rugby World Cup heartbreak ‘for the best’ as Steve Borthwick message sent

Steve Borthwick, the England coach, will be watching this weekend’s Premiership play closely.

Luke Cowan-Dickie, an England hooker, will be glad he did not jeopardize his career to compete in the World Cup when he returns from his cold today. The 30-year-old Cowan-Dickie was a member of Steve Borthwick’s original training group, but after three weeks, his transfer from Exeter to Montpellier was halted by a concerning neck injury.

Watching the tournament on TV was like torture when England had so few choices at hooker that Jamie George had to play every minute of three straight games.

Argentina v England: Bronze Final - Rugby World Cup France 2023

‌

As he is ready to play in his first game in ten months, Cowan-Dickie believes the right decision was made, even though his problem—which depowered his right arm—is getting better. A fresh start for Sale is also approaching.

Cowan-Dickie remarked, “It was heartbreaking not to be involved, but in the end it was for the best because if I had played that might have been me done.” “I saw every game except for one, and the guys performed admirably. It would be fantastic if I could contribute to the England team once more.

“But I have to start doing shows for Sale first.” I’m thrilled to be back playing in my first game for a new team.

England Rugby Training Session

Luke Cowan-Dickie missed out on the Rugby World Cup through injury (Image: Getty)

Cowan-Dickie, who was a Test Lion in 2021 in South Africa, still has a power imbalance between his left and right side but it is time to get back on the pitch. “We’ve looked at it carefully and decided this is the best time for me to play,” he said.

‌“I’m at the stage now where it’s safe for me to play and my strength is at a point where I hopefully won’t be too disadvantaged. It’s back to a point where my strength is plateauing. I should get more back but it’s going to take a little bit longer.”

He will start on the bench for last season’s Premiership finalists against Bristol having confidently assured his new teammates he will be the catalyst to turn them into champions this season.

Luke Cowan-Dickie observed as England finished the Rugby World Cup in third place.

After their World Cup exertions against Leicester last week, Saracens raised eyebrows by pushing their England A-list players straight back into Premiership action. Now, they have decided to rest them for tomorrow’s trip to Newcastle.

“We must ensure that the players who were carrying a heavy load, both mentally and physically, during the World Cup are taken care of.” That means a significant team effort will be required throughout the entire season, according to rugby director Mark McCall.

Argentina v England: Bronze Final - Rugby World Cup France 2023