Major Blow for England as Croft ruled out of Six Nations
Athleticism is synonymous to Tom Croft’s sporting ability and his standing as a record breaker. The tough and tall England flanker is expected to miss the Six Nations because of his shoulder fracture, which has yet not healed.
There was an expectation that he would return in time for the tournament, when it was established that he did not need surgery. The blind-side flanker fractured his shoulder against South Africa in November. Tom Croft has been off the field since then.
Tiger’s director, Richard Cockerill has revealed that the flanker’s spell off the field could prolong three times longer than originally thought. He revealed that the injury will require another six to eight weeks to heal. “He
is seeing a specialist and he will be out for another six to eight weeks.” said the director of Rugby. He further revealed, "His shoulder is intact but it was a pretty traumatic blow to it. The cartilage is all in one piece, which is good news. But all of
the nerves around it have to recover.” The specialist said that Croft’s rupture is curative but there is trauma to the soft tissue. This injury has assured his absence in the Heinken Cup must-win fixtures against the Scarlets and Treviso.
England will kick-off with their Six Nations campaign against Wales in February. Croft is not expected to recover by then, but there is a slight hope that he might feature at some point. If he fails to completely recover in February
he will be replaced by Stade Francias’ James Haskell or Hendre Fourie of Leeds.
Tom Croft is reckoned to be the most explosive talents from England. Tom Rees, Jordan Crane and James Haskell are among the elite of England’s national Rugby team, but none of them possess the vigilance and explosiveness of Tom
Croft. His absence is a major setback for Martin Johnson, the manager. The manager would have to carry on without Croft, who demonstrated his worth in England’s comprehensive win against Australia in an International series.
Tom Croft, a student of modern and street dancing, entered the world of Rugby, using his agility in the air as a key factor to his game. He accepts, “Dancing also improves co-ordination and fitness.” The versatile blind-side flanker
will be missed by his fans till March.
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