Three months out for Vickery

Vickery: neck surgery

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Prop Phil Vickery will not be available for the start of England's RBS 6 Nations campaign after undergoing neck surgery.

Whilst the procedure was a success, the Wasps front-rower has been informed that he will require at least three months of rehabilitation before he can resume playing duties.

With England kicking off their Six Nations campaign against Wales on February 6, Vickery would appear to have virtually no chance of reclaiming his Test spot for the clash at Twickenham.

The 33-year-old was forced under the knife after sustaining a neck injury in the 18-13 Challenge Cup victory over Racing Metro on October 11.

However, Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks insists the operation went as planned and is confident that Vickery will make a complete recovery from his latest injury setback.

"It was a long, invasive operation but the medical guys have reported to us that it was very, very good," Hanks stated. "They are very happy and Phil is very happy.

"How he's been doing what he's been doing, for Wasps, England and the Lions, in the condition and pain he was in, I don't know.

Special

"But Phil is a bit special and if anyone can come back from this sort of operation it's Phil. That's certainly his intent.

"He knows he can do the rehab, he's done it before. He needs to go through the rehab whether he plays again or not, but he's really enjoying his rugby and he wants to play again.

"He's still a pup really. He thinks he's still got a lot to offer and so do we.

"If the medical advice suggested any player was risking long-term health we'd support the decision to knock it on the head.

"But we've got no reason to have that conversation with Phil."

Meanwhile, Danny Cipriani is making good progress as he continues his comeback from a hairline fracture of his right fibula and the 22-year-old fly-half will begin running again next week.