Gloucester's Olly Morgan set for six-month absence

Morgan's season came to an end after suffering a knee injury against Worcester

Gloucester full-back Olly Morgan has been ruled out for the rest of the season with knee ligament damage.

The 26-year-old England player suffered the injury in their Premiership defeat by Worcester Warriors on Saturday.

"It's a severe injury so he's going to be out for six months," head coach Bryan Redpath told BBC Gloucestershire.

"You can't predict or prepare for injuries like that and if we have to look around for someone to bring in then we will do."

Morgan played 15 games for the Cherry and Whites this season and signed a new three-year deal in November.

It is likely that Jonny May and Tom Voyce will deputise for the remainder of the campaign.

On top of Morgan's absence, Redpath could also be without several squad members because of international call-ups.

Charlie Sharples has been named in England's 32-man squad for the Six Nations next month, while May, Nick Wood, Henry Trinder and Freddie Burns have been included in the Saxons line-up.

"It's great for Charlie," said Redpath. "He was very close to going to the World Cup. They've taken some senior players out of the squad to allow him to play at the top level.

"He's probably not hit the same form that he did last year but that's the way it is. It's great for him and a great chance for the boys in the Saxons to push for the senior group.

"Burns and May have performed very well. Freddie was close last season and has done well over the past few weeks so credit to him. Jonny has been consistent this season, whether he's put on the wing or at 15.

"It's going to allow him to be in the mix and if not it allows him to get experience from training around players at that level. For us he's going to be hugely important with all these injuries."