Six Nations 2022: Scotland v England - Courtney Lawes and Jonny Hill out
- Published
Guinness Six Nations - Scotland v England |
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Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh Date: Saturday, 5 February Kick-off: 16:45 GMT |
Coverage: Watch live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer; live commentary on BBC Radio Scotland, Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sport website and app. |
Forwards Courtney Lawes and Jonny Hill have been ruled out of England's Six Nations opener against Scotland.
Northampton flanker Lawes is recovering from concussion while fellow Lion Hill, the Exeter lock, has a foot injury.
Lawes was favourite to fill in as captain given Owen Farrell has been ruled out for the championship.
Prop Joe Marler is back in training following Covid-19 isolation but, as well as Farrell, Jonny May and Anthony Watson are also out for the tournament.
Centre Manu Tuilagi and flanker Sam Underhill are likely to be available later in the Six Nations once they have recovered from respective hamstring and concussion issues.
Lawes sustained the head injury playing for Northampton on 16 January and has not yet passed return-to-play protocols.
Hill is still struggling with a stress fracture to his lower leg and has not played since 8 January.
England forwards coach Matt Proudfoot has earlier said hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie, prop Ellis Genge and back row Tom Curry had all been offering leadership support to Lawes.
England's team to face Scotland is expected to be announced at 11:30 GMT on Thursday.
England squad for Six Nations:
Forwards: Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons), Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby), Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers), Jamie George (Saracens), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks), Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs), Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears), Will Stuart (Bath Rugby)
Backs: Mark Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby), Elliot Daly (Saracens), George Ford (Leicester Tigers), George Furbank (Northampton Saints), Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish), Max Malins (Saracens), Joe Marchant (Harlequins), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), Harry Randall (Bristol Bears), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
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