Bracken in fitness race

Kyran Bracken could be fit to captain England in next week’s A international against France at Northampton.

Scrum-half Bracken went off injured after just 11 minutes of Saracens’ Zurich Premiership appointment with leaders Gloucester yesterday.

He was hurt after being on the receiving end of a high tackle that angered Saracens coach Wayne Shelford, who suggested a possible citing following closer scrutiny of video footage.

Saracens have yet to make a further announcement regarding their planned course of action.

Bracken did not train at a combined England/England A session today, but he has not been ruled out of the A clash on Friday week.

"The doctors with Saracens and England will monitor his progress over the next few days,” said an England spokesman.

"If, as expected, he continues to make progress, then he could be available for the A game against France on February 14.”