Richard Cockerill, Leicester’s director of rugby, is still refusing to rule England outside-half Toby Flood out of Saturday’s Aviva Premiership Final.
Cockerill reacted angrily to Stuart Lancaster’s media briefing recently when the England head coach expressed concern that Flood’s ankle injury could force him to miss the tour to South Africa, which begins next week.
“Floody is working hard and improving day by day,” Cockerill said. “He’ll train tomorrow and we’ll see where he’s at.”
Cockerill also revealed today that he and Lancaster have had “a healthy discussion” and added: “Stuart and I get on pretty well. He’s a good guy. In the future we will discuss things a bit more closely and, hopefully, avoid any flashpoint or confrontation.
“Occasionally we’re going to be at odds with our opinions but that’s okay.”
George Ford will continue in the No10 role against Harlequins if Flood fails to recover in time. “Fordy’s an intelligent player,” Cockerill said. “If he plays, it’s not the end of the world.”
Northampton, meanwhile, have signed Australia international Cameron Shepherd as the replacement for England wing Chris Ashton, who is joining Saracens.
