Nathan Hughes on track for England return ahead of Scotland clash

England international Nathan Hughes is set to feature for the red rose team in the upcoming Six Nations clash against Scotland following a recovery from a knee injury.

The 26-year-old sustained the blow while playing for his club Wasps in December last year but now has returned to full training and is on track to start at number eight in the Calcutta Cup clash in the place of Sam Simmonds, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury.

“Everyone’s fully fit for selection this weekend,” forwards coach Steve Borthwick said.

“Nathan’s worked really hard, really diligently and he looks in really good shape. He’s healed very fast which is great.

“While our strength and conditioning and medical team have worked incredibly hard, the credit has to go to Nathan for the work he’s done while he’s been injured.

“We want to make sure all of our players are ready for Test matches, that’s why we train at the intensity level we train at.

“Nathan gives us different strengths to Sam. He’s an outstanding ball carrier. His effect on the group has grown.

“He’s excellent with younger players, helping them mentally. He’s grown as a player in terms of the influence he has throughout as a leader as well.”

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