Nick Abendanon called into the squad – Rugby News Update
Nick Abdendanon, the 25-year-old England and Bath fullback, who is equally adept at playing on the wing, has been called up as a replacement for Mike Brown, the 26-year-old Harlequins fullback, as he is set to miss out the rest of the tour.
England is currently undergoing a tour of South Africa, where they will play the Springboks in a three-match test series, along with playing two other midweek games. However, the visiting team lost the first test at Durban, and along with it sustained injuries
to the squad. Brad Barritt, the Saracens' centre is out of the second-test with an eye bruising, while Brown has been ruled out due to a hand injury. He will go back to England for his recovery and try to get ready ahead of the new Aviva Premiership season.
Brown was enjoying a bit of resurgence under Stuart Lancaster, the head coach of England, who had used him as a substitute during the 2012 Six Nations Grand Slam. His impressive performances for the Harlequins during the season earned him a short listing
for the Aviva Premiership Player of the Year award. He took the club to their first Premiership title at the close of the season.
He spoke about his injury, confirming he will play no further part in the tour.
"I'm broken! Heading bk sometime this week for an op," Brown wrote on Twitter. "So gutted to be heading home but thankful I had the opportunity to play a Test! Will be cheering the guys on from home! Will get the operation done and prepare hard
ready for the start of the new season."
Lancaster also spoke about the player. "Firstly, our best wishes to Mike," and added, "He did really well on Saturday and is very disappointed to be out of the tour but he must remember he has had a fantastic season and should be rightly proud of all that
he has achieved.”
His replacement, Abendanon, has played for England twice, making his debut against South Africa at Pretoria, on June 2, 2007, and his second and last match was against France at Twickenham, on August 11, 2007.
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