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Wales captain Sam Warburton to miss England date at Twickenham

Sam Warburton looks on during the RBS Six Nations match between Ireland and Wales at the Aviva Stadium
Image: Sam Warburton is not quite ready to return after shoulder injury

Wales will be without captain Sam Warburton for Sunday's international against England at Twickenham, live on Sky Sports.

Flanker Warburton has failed to recover from a shoulder injury but is remaining with the squad preparing for the weekend match to continue his rehab.

The 27-year-old had hoped to make his return after nearly a month out - he was hurt playing for the Cardiff Blues on April 30.

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"This weekend will be too early for him. He's taking part in training, and he's done everything bar contact," Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde said.

"He is getting much stronger, feeling much better about himself, and that is evident in the way he is carrying himself and contributing to the meetings."

Alun Wyn Jones could end his injury absence on Sunday, with the lock close to full fitness after an Achilles injury he suffered in March.

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"Alun Wyn is good. He took a full part in training this morning," McBryde added. "He hasn't had rugby in a long while. This game has been put in the diary in order for us to get up to speed - that intensity - before we face the All Blacks.

"Anybody who hasn't had that much rugby stands a good chance of being involved against England.

Wales and Ospreys lock Alun Wyn Jones
Image: Alun Wyn Jones is ready to face England after a lengthy absence

"Alun Wyn has made great strides. More time is going to benefit anybody, obviously, but at some stage you are going to have to dip your toe in the water and see how you react to games.

"He has progressed. He has followed the medical advice, and there is no better professional than Alun Wyn Jones, and if you couple that professional attitude with the medical team that we have got.

"They have worked wonders with players in the past, and it just goes to show when you follow protocols, anything is possible."

The game is Wales' last before they head off to New Zealand for a three-Test series, the first of which takes place in Auckland on June 11.

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