Shoulder injury rules Croft out for six weeks

RUGBY NEWS ROUND-UP:ENGLAND FLANKER Tom Croft's fractured shoulder may rule him out of the opening match of the 2011 Six Nations against Wales in Cardiff on February 4th.

Croft’s Leicester boss Richard Cockerill confirmed the injury, picked up in Saturday’s Test defeat by South Africa, should take six weeks to heal. However, his return may be delayed if there is further ligament damage.

Croft could be replaced on the blindside by Leeds’ Hendre Fourie or James Haskell of Stade Francais. The Tigers player had set up club-and-country colleague Toby Flood to kick England’s first points in the 21-11 defeat by South Africa at Twickenham. But he was forced to withdraw 22 minutes into the international.

Meanwhile, outhalf Flood and Northampton wing Chris Ashton have recovered from blows to the head during the England match and will return to their clubs for further checks.

Sale outhalf Charlie Hodgson suffered a bruised foot and will also undergo an assessment on returning to his club.

Sale admit they are locked in a battle to convince Andrew Sheridan to reject a move to France when his contract expires next summer.

The England prop is considering his options in the Top 14 with Toulon, coached by former Sharks director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre, heading the queue of suitors.

Sheridan (31), knows his next contract will be his final chance to secure a big pay day.

French clubs operate within a salary cap of nearly twice the €4.75 million limit set by the English Premiership and are able to offer bumper deals.

But Sale head coach Mike Brewer believes the Sharks still have an ace up their sleeve.

“It’s fairly well known that Sheri is having a look at France after the next World Cup,” said Brewer.

“He’s possibly done everything that he would want to here in England and he’s having a look abroad. In my discussions with Sheri, I’ve said that we won’t be able to match the big offers he’ll get in France. But money doesn’t drive Andrew – it’s about lifestyle and where he feels comfortable.”