LUGER OUT FOR ENGLAND V ITALY

England coach Clive Woodward has ruled winger Dan Luger out of his plans for the Six Nations clash with Italy at Twickenham on Saturday, it was reported here Monday.

Luger was forced off early in England`s 44-15 victory over Wales last weekend with a neck injury sustained in a tackle with Scott Gibbs.

The Saracens man failed to recover in time for his club`s Premiership triumph against Sale at Vicarage Road yesterday and, although he is not due to name his line-up until tomorrow, Woodward already knows Luger will not be part of his team.

"I have spoken to Dan and, to be honest, it`s going to be a case of whether he be ready for the Scotland game," said Woodward.

"He will see a specialist again this week and is being monitored by the England medical team.

"He has a bulging disc in his neck and the injury needs time to settle down," he told the Evening Standard.

Austin Healey, who came on for Luger against Wales, could start, although Woodward also has the option of moving Iain Balshaw to the wing and drafting Bath team-mate Matt Perry into the vacant full-back berth. - AFP