England have suffered another Six Nations injury blow with Courtney Lawes ruled out for the rest of the championship.
The forward wasn’t due to feature for Eddie Jones’ side against Wales this weekend and sustained a pectoral injury in England training on Wednesday which has ruled him out for the rest of the championship.
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The news comes as a bitter blow for Lawes, who missed England’s autumn Test matches due to an ankle injury.
He returned in time to face Italy in Round 2 of this season’s championship, but now faces another spell on the sidelines, joining injured back-row duo Sam Underhill and Jack Willis.
“It is very disappointing, but these things happen,” England attack coach Simon Amor said in a statement.
“He is an experienced player. He brings a line-out threat and great defensive energy. But we have some fantastic players, particularly with Mark Wilson.
“He is one of our work-rate players and brings strength around the breakdown.”