2022 England vs Japan

England Verdict On The Return Of Kyle Sinckler

England Verdict On The Return Of Kyle Sinckler

England's Richard Cockerill gave a verdict on how Kyle Sinckler is doing in his first involvement with the squad since last season.

Oct 28, 2022 by RugbyPass
England Verdict On The Return Of Kyle Sinckler

England forwards coach Richard Cockerill has given his verdict on how Kyle Sinckler is faring in his first involvement with the squad since the final round of last season's Guinness Six Nations. 

The tighthead played off the bench in the championship finale last March in France, following a concussion when starting the previous week against Ireland.

A back injury then ruled him out of the England summer tour to Australia, and he also was excluded from the three-day training camp Eddie Jones held in London during the early part of the 2022-2023 season. 

The England boss said at the time it was best for Sinckler to continue his comeback at Bristol, rather than link up with the international squad.

However, the prop has since earned a recall and has been busy with Jones and company in Jersey this week at their five-day camp ahead of the four-match Autumn Nations Series, which begins against Argentina at Twickenham on Nov. 6.

"He looks in great nick, he looks in really great physical condition and, look, he is keen to win his spot back and prove he is one of the world's best tightheads," said Cockerill about the 29-year-old, who recently signed a contract extension that will keep him at Bristol until the summer of 2024. "He has been in great form on and off the field. Obviously, with the injury to Will Stuart, he is going to be important to this campaign. We're happy to have him back, and it is good to see him in such condition, both mentally and physically."

Cockerill also was asked for his thoughts on Jack Willis, the back-rower who was made redundant and left without a club on Oct. 17, when Wasps fell into administration. 

"He has come into camp in good shape, and his attitude is first class," Cockerill said. "We haven't really discussed it in any depth with him. His job is to come into England camp and deal with what is in front of him. He is a quality player, and I have no doubt it won't be long before he finds a club that will take him, and he can get on with his life.

"Look, he is a great lad, works hard, got a great attitude towards life. Clearly, it is a difficult time for guys in that situation, but he has come into England camp just thinking about trying to play for England, and there has been no hang-up in and around any of those guys who are in that situation."