Saracens' task of avoiding relegation despite a calamitous run of eight defeats in 11 Premiership games got harder last night when their England scrum-half Kyran Bracken was ruled out for the next three matches.

Bracken was concussed during Sunday's defeat by Wasps at Vicarage Road so he will miss the away games at Sale, Newcastle and Northampton before returning for the final round of the league campaign at home to Bristol. Sarries are three places off the foot of the table, five points above the bottom club Leeds.

While Bracken has to take a mandatory three-week count, his French international half-back partner Thomas Castaignède has resumed full training nearly two years after suffering an achilles injury. He hopes to be fit for Bristol.

London Irish, who follow Saturday's Powergen Cup final against Northampton at Twickenham with a Parker Pen Shield semi-final against Pontypridd next week, are resigned to disappointment in their attempt to sign the South Africa flanker Rassi Erasmus for next season.

Irish have been asked by Harlequins to investigate an alleged spitting incident during their thrilling draw at the Majedski Stadium last Sunday. An informal complaint was made after the Quins' manager Mike Scott had an altercation with a home supporter.

Meanwhile Emma Grayson, the pregnant wife of the Northampton fly-half Paul, has decided to have their twin boys delivered five days early by Caesarean so that her husband will not miss the final. Grayson has been given the week off before travelling down to London on Friday.

The veteran Wales back Neil Jenkins, who has been plagued by a chronic knee injury since last summer's Lions tour, hopes to make his first appearance of the season tomorrow when Cardiff take on Caerphilly at the Arms Park.

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