British and Irish Lions

England wing Paul Sackey this week took the first steps back on the road to a possible selection for this summer's British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa.

The London Wasps flyer picked up a serious leg injury during England's defeat to Ireland in Dublin during the RBS 6 Nations which, until Wednesday, stopped him from running.

"I had all the symptoms of a broken leg, including loads of bone bruising, but it just didn't break," said Sackey.
"The X-ray showed the leg wasn't broken but a few more ounces of pressure would have broken it. It happened during the Ireland game - someone tackled Mike Tindall and his leg swung round and caught me.
"England tried their best to get me back fit but it just wasn't right. When I came back to Wasps, I got it re-evaluated and found out it was more serious than just a dead calf.
"I am still very sore but I should be fit for the weekend after next. I still think I can play my way back into the Lions squad.
"If I can get fit and start playing well again then there is a chance of getting in on the back of my form throughout the year."
The 29-year-old Sackey this week ran for the first time in training since the injury and is targeting Wasps' home game to Newcastle Falcons on April 5.

Qantas Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans says Quade Cooper could still line up against the Lions despite missing out on his 25-man squad this morning.

The Waratahs upset the odds by beating Super Rugby leaders the Brumbies 28-22, but the game came at a huge cost to Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.