Rob Andrew will play on for Newcastle next autumn despite dislocating his shoulder against his former club on Sunday.

England's most-capped out-half, though, will be forced to watch the Tetley's Bitter Cup final against Wasps next month from the stand after being denied the chance of a Twickenham swansong on May 15th.

Andrew, the director of rugby at Newcastle, will also miss Newcastle's five remaining matches, which begin with tomorrow's visit of Richmond, as they attempt to finish in the top six and qualify for Europe.

He said: "I will have the shoulder scanned later this week to see what the damage is. It hurts, but the result at Wasps hurts an awful lot more."

Andrew's absence from the cup final means Jonny Wilkinson will be given the big stage to play in the number 10 role, a position he may occupy for England in next autumn's World Cup. Wilkinson's absence during the World Cup means Andrew will occupy the stand-off role for Newcastle.

Andrew added: "I've never had to watch a big match from the sidelines before. It's going to be very difficult for us, but I'm sure the team will bounce back."

Newcastle, eighth in Premiership One with six qualifying for Europe, also have Wilkinson, Va'aiga Tuigamala, Peter Walton and Tony Underwood under treatment.

Saracens are delaying deciding whether they intend to take action against their Argentinian prop Roberto Grau after he was accused of butting Leicester's Craig Joiner during their defeat at Welford Road Saturday.

Mike Scott, the Saracens team manager has viewed video evidence, but it has proved inconclusive but he intends to pursue the matter further.

"The incident doesn't appear on the video so at the moment we can't take any action against Roberto," said Scott.

Saracens player-coach Francois Pienaar believes the English union should change its rules to allow clubs to cite players already dealt with by the referee.