Injured Clark impressed by England’s Six Nations progress

Calum Clark admits he would have loved to have been part of England’s Six Nations success story.

The Saints flanker suffered a shoulder injury in his club’s Heineken Cup defeat at Glasgow in January, and has since had surgery to rectify the problem.

Clark had been named in England’s Six Nations squad, but the blow sustained in the first half at Scotstoun put an end to his hopes of playing in the tournament.

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Stuart Lancaster’s men have gone on to win their first three games and have their sights set on a Grand Slam, with games against Italy and Wales remaining.

And Clark, though disappointed to have missed out, has been impressed with the way the Red Rose have been playing so far.

“If I can’t play I don’t really like watching it all that much, but you can’t help watching the national side play and I’ve been really impressed with seeing them,” said the 23-year-old.

“I might not have been picked anyway so I’m not going to beat myself up or cry about it too much.

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“I’m pleased, especially for our (Saints) boys. Tom Wood’s going really well in it and it’s good to see.

And he added: “They’re the only unbeaten side and what’s been impressive is their approach to the tight games.

“They haven’t given away any silly penalties that might throw the game and their attacking play has been expensive so they’re doing a great job and I would love to be a part of it, but obviously I can’t.”

Clark has been in contact with the England coaches and medical staff since sustaining his injury.

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And he has praised the work they have done to include him, even though he will not play any part in the Six Nations.

“They’ve been in touch to find out what’s happening with the injury and what’s happened since,” said Clark, who hopes to return to action before the end of the season.

“You have to maintain a bit of a relationship with them and they’re good at doing that.

“They keep you in the loop and make you feel part of it, even though I’m not part of it at the moment.”