Eddie Jones has ruled Courtney Lawes out of the rest of the autumn insisting his skipper’s health is more important than a swift comeback.
Lawes, who captained England in their 2-1 summer win over Australia, has concussion issues after a knock playing for Northampton against Leicester on 25 September. The 33-year-old back row has been going through return to play protocols at Saints but Jones says he can have as much time as he wants.
Lawes would have been favourite to retain the captaincy for the autumn tests which kicked off with a disastrous 30-29 reverse to Argentina on Sunday. And with a World Cup looming next year, the head coach wants one of his leading players fit and ready for the Six Nations.
