The England international and British Lions star Jeremy Guscott will make his long-awaited comeback when Bath play Newcastle on Sunday.

Guscott, capped 48 times for his country, has been injured for six months, having last played in the Lions' Test defeat by South Africa in Johannesburg on July 5.

Guscott in action against Wales

After suffering a broken arm, specialists then diagnosed a back complaint that required surgery, delaying all hope of a swift return to domestic action.

But after months of recovery, Guscott says he is raring to go.

"I feel as fit as I possibly can be," he said. "All I am lacking at this stage is match fitness, although full training at Bath these days is almost the same."

Guscott attended England's pre-Five Nations gathering at Bisham Abbey on Wednesday and has every chance of facing the French in Paris on February 7 should he emerge unscathed from Bath's next three fixtures.

Guscott factfile

• 1965: Born in Bath, July 7.
• 1972: Joins Bath rugby union club's mini-section.
• 1989: Wins League and Cup with Bath. Called up as replacement to join British Lions tour of Australia.
• 1990: Plays throughout England's Five Nations Championship campaign.
• 1991: Member of England's Grand Slam-winning team and makes five World Cup appearances.
• 1992: Another Grand Slam with England, followed by New Zealand tour as member of a World XV.
• 1996: Starts to close in on 50 caps, and 18th try against Wales at Twickenham puts him joint second with Cyril Lowe on England's all-time list.
• 1997: Secures the Lions series' win against South Africa with a drop goal in Durban.

The injury also puts Saint-André in doubt for the Five Nations tournament which begins in February.
 

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©