England’s Mike Brown ruled out of Ireland clash

Mike Brown has been ruled out of England‘s Six Nations clash with Ireland in Dublin on Sunday.
The Harlequins full-back was concussed and left the field in the 19th minute of England’s 47-17 victory over Italy on February 14.
Since then, he has been undertaking the return to play protocol but the 29-year-old is currently unable to progress beyond stage three of the process after waking up with a mild headache this morning.
With Brown having started the last 26 Test matches the news is a blow for head coach Stuart Lancaster but Saracens’ in form Alex Goode has waited patiently for the chance to start.
Goode last wore the England No.15 shirt against Wales in Cardiff in 2013 but produced what Lancaster described as “the best game I’ve seen him play for some time” in Saracens’ recent victory over Bath.
Lancaster added: “Mike and our medical staff have been diligent during every step of the graduated return to play protocol and they will continue to work to get him back to full health. The most important thing is Mike’s welfare.
“We are of course disappointed to lose him but Alex is an experienced international and in great form for Saracens.”