Jason is put on England fast track

Jason Robinson will be training with England within 48 hours of his Sale debut in their Tetley's Bitter Cup home tie against Second Division Coventry on Sunday week.

Confirming that the former Wigan rugby league wing is being put on the fastest of tracks as an addition to the national development squad, Clive Woodward made it clear his newest convert will be granted the wish he expressed on joining Sale last week.

'I want to be picked on merit or not at all,' said Robinson.'I don't want any favours.' Apart from a sensible move to ensure that his union education is handled by the best tutors, he will not be getting any.'When it comes to selection, Jason will be treated like any other player,' said the England manager. 'Obviously I wish him well although a lot of people, for whatever reason, don't want him to succeed.

'Jason's made a brave decision decision because a league player coming to union permanently is unheard of. It's so exciting. If he doesn't make it, at least we've tried.

'In a perverse way, it will be great if Jason doesn't make the team because that would mean that the Lugers, Balshaws, Healeys and Cohens are playing so well.' Ellery Hanley joined England yesterday on a learning mission with a view to being defence coach on next summer's North American tour when Phil Larder will be with the Lions.

Lock Nathan Hines misses next month's Scotland games against the USA, Australia and Samoa after injuring a knee for Edinburgh against Biarritz. Stade Francais forwards Fabrice Landreau and David Auradou appear before a disciplinary hearing in Dublin tomorrow after being cited for foul play against Swansea.