'Cockroach' refusing to slip away quietly

LUKE COWAN-DICKIE joins England's 50-cap club on Saturday but the hooker never thought he would make it after a torrid few years.

- BY ADAM HATHAWAY

The 32-year-old was out for 16 months with nerve damage to his shoulder and biceps that left him unable to lift even the lightest of weights and fearing for his future in the game.

Cowan-Dickie, right, recovered to win back a place in last year's autumn internationals and go on the British & Irish Lions tour this summer, but his 50 England caps have been a decade in the making.

He made his debut in a World Cup warm-up against France in 2015, and will finally get to the mark against Australia this weekend after fearing he would fall short. Cowan-Dickie said: “A couple of years ago I didn't think I would be here again.

“I got back playing Prem, and for me that was brilliant as I was back playing rugby.