Fresh injury has Sheridan fearing for rugby career

Sheridan, who has had three shoulder operations in the past two years, suffered his latest setback in England’s 13-9 win over Argentina. He returns to England facing an uncertain future.

Sheridan suffered a severe dislocation to the same left shoulder in 2009 and another operation could be a bridge too far for the 31-year-old.

But the Sale prop, who was such a key figure in England’s World Cup plans, will not rush into any decisions.

“Of course there are concerns for the future,” said Sheridan. “If I do need another operation then that will be four in two years on my shoulders. But I’ll just have to wait and see what the surgeon says, then make a decision from there.

“I’m not going to make any rash decisions because I’ve had another setback. But you just have to weigh up all the evidence, then see if you can rehab it all properly and get back. I think everyone knows shoulders are quite complicated structures, so it’s difficult to come back.

“It’s massively disappointing but I have to go back, speak to the surgeon, speak to the club and make a decision about what to do next.”