England winger Jason Robinson has been told he will not need surgery on the neck injury which kept him out of the record defeat to Ireland last weekend.

The Sale player missed the 43-13 loss at Croke Park which severely dented the world champions' hopes of winning the championship.

Robinson saw a specialist last night who advised him to rest for a few days to let the neck pain settle down, meaning he could be in contention for England's game with France at Twickenham on March 11th.

"The good news is that the problem should not need any corrective surgery and with the correct rest and rehab, Jason should be back playing very soon," said Sale club doctor Dave Jones.

Magnus Lund, Robinson's team-mate for club and country, is currently recovering from injury. Lund explained: "I picked up a couple of bangs to the head at Croke Park and am feeling much better."

The flanker could also come into contention for England's appointment with France.