Injury fears for Vickery

England prop Phil Vickery has admitted that another serious injury would leave him considering his future in the game.

The 28-year-old Gloucester forward has undergone major back surgery twice in recent seasons, and is recuperating from an operation four months ago.

World Cup winner Vickery, who missed England’s summer tour of New Zealand and Australia, probably will not play again until October at the earliest, although he remains upbeat about his recovery prospects.