England have been dealt a significant blow as they seek to secure another grand slam this weekend with their captain, Sarah Hunter, ruled out of the Six Nations decider against France on Saturday.
The No 8 sustained a rib injury last weekend in the 69-0 victory against Ireland and will miss the showdown with France in Bayonne. In a testament to the influence of Hunter, who has amassed 134 caps for her country, she will join the squad in France this week to lend her support behind the scenes.