Harlequins full-back Mike Brown could miss rest of season

Harlequins full-back Mike Brown may not play again this season as he still has side effects from a concussion suffered two months ago.

Brown, 29, was knocked out during England’s 47-17 Six Nations win over Italy nine weeks ago and has not played for his club side since, although he has turned out for England.

Quins have just three games left this season, although that could be extended to five if they qualify for the European play-offs, but Brown could miss all of them as concerns continue about his health issues, with the player continuing to have headaches.

"I would be lying if I said that mightn't be the case," director of rugby Conor O’Shea told the BBC. “If I was a betting man I wouldn't expect to see him back for the match against Bath either in a few weeks' time. Maybe Newcastle (May 16) but we'll see what is best for the player."

Brown sat out England’s 19-9 loss in Ireland after the Italy game but returned to action for the wins over Scotland and France before rejoining the Harlequins squad.

He has missed two games for his club but could miss more, with concussion injuries in sharp focus in rugby following the high-profile on-field knockouts of Brown and Wales wing George North during the Six Nations.

"He will be in training once he gets over the symptoms, but he is not symptom-free," O'Shea added.

"Once he is symptom-free he will start a slightly extended return-to-play (process). The corner could be turned any day, but it's 'how long is a piece of string?'

"It's nothing long-term or untoward, but everyone saw the knock he took against Italy and he obviously played two more high-intensity matches after taking a mandatory break. He just hasn't been right.

"This is over a month now, it's not pleasant at all. But he's gone to the very best doctors and the very best specialists, and it will subside, and when it does it will be fine.

"Is it a concern? Of course it is. Anyone who is injured you are concerned about, and it is a head injury, but hopefully the way he has been treated has been good for him long-term.”