Tindall back on the bench

Coach refuses to risk starting World Cup winner

Last updated: 4th April 2008

Mike tindall Gloucester 07

Tindall: torn liver

Gloucester v Munster
Saturday 5.30pm
live on Sky Sports 2

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England centre Mike Tindall will return from his career-threatening injuries on the bench for Gloucester on Saturday.

Tindall has not played since the Six Nations defeat by Wales on February 2 after sustaining a torn liver, punctured lung and internal bleeding caused by an accidental kick from an opponent. He spent three days in the intensive care unit of a London hospital as a result.

But he will be on the bench as Gloucester host Munster in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals.

Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan said: "We didn't want to take a risk with Mike for the sake of one game, and we left the decision pretty much to him.

"Needless to say, to have a player of his experience and understanding available for a game of this magnitude is huge for us.

"He has done everything that he needs to do - he will bring a level of expertise that are key in these games."