MIKE BROWN IS relishing his return to action after five months on the sidelines as England continue their Rugby World Cup preparations against France.
Brown has not played since the conclusion of the Six Nations after struggling to recover from repeated headaches following a collision with Italy’s Andrea Masi that knocked him unconscious in mid-February.
However, the Harlequins man is set to make his comeback at the Stade de France on Saturday after being selected in Stuart Lancaster’s XV, taking the place of Alex Goode, who played at that position in England’s 19-14 win over France last weekend.
And speaking on England Rugby TV, Brown said: “[I'm] obviously massively excited, it’s been a long pre-season, it’s been a long time since I’ve played, about five months.
“End of the year was frustrating for me but it was the right time to look after my head after what had gone on before. I’ve had the right treatment and just excited to get back out there.
“It’s [the Stade de France] a great stadium, good atmosphere, so it’ll be great to play over there again.
“It’s important to carry on from where the guys have left it over the first game, carry on from there and try and raise it another level.”
England (v France, 22 August)
15. Mike Brown (Harlequins)
14. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
13. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby)
12. Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby)
10. George Ford (Bath Rugby)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
1. Joe Marler (Harlequins)
2. Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
4. Joe Launchbury (Wasps)
5. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
6. James Haskell (Wasps)
7. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins) Capt.
8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens)
Replacements
16. Jamie George (Saracens)
17. Mako Vunipola (Saracens)
18. David Wilson (Bath Rugby)
19. Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby)
20. Nick Easter (Harlequins)
21. Danny Care (Harlequins)
22. Danny Cipriani (Sale Sharks)
23. Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby)
