Women's Six Nations 2022: 'Big weeks ahead' as Emily Scarratt bids to return

England star Emily Scarratt says she has «a couple of big weeks ahead» as she aims to return from injury in time for March's Women's Six Nations.

The centre hopes to be «somewhere close» to returning in two to three weeks, with England's tournament opener against Scotland on 26 March.

Scarratt broke her leg three minutes into her first game of the season with Loughborough Lightning in September.

«I'm back out running and doing little bits in team sessions,» Scarratt said.

«I've got a couple of big weeks ahead of me. If they all go to plan then I should be somewhere near rocking and rolling.

»I'm not trying to put a time-frame on it just yet. I've got a certain amount of things I've got to get through.

«If that goes well then hopefully I'll be somewhere close in the next two or three weeks.»

Scarratt said the Women's Six Nations — which will take place in a separate window from the men's tournament for the second year in a row — has provided «a good target» in her return.

The Red Roses are bidding for a fourth successive title after a record-breaking autumn in the 32-year-old's absence.

An even better incentive is October's World Cup, with England among the favourites to win after two dominant victories against holders New Zealand in November.

But Scarratt says «the rest of the women's game is moving on an awful lot», citing the professional contracts awarded to Wales players and France's autumn wins against the Black Ferns.

«We have to keep pushing on as well,» added Scarratt.

«It's no good patting ourselves on the back for the last however many years.

»This year is a massive year in the context of the World Cup. There are a lot of things that we want to continue to improve on so that we are in the best possible spot for that."

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