London (AFP) - England hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie has been ruled out of the final two rounds of the Six Nations with a knee injury he suffered in last weekend's 23-19 win over Wales.
Exeter boss Rob Baxter said on Thursday that the 28-year-old, who plays for the English Premiership club, could be out for the rest of the season.
"It's a pretty significant injury," said Baxter."It's knee ligament and a bit of cartilage damage.
"There's further assessment going on but he's definitely going to be out for a significant period of time, possibly the rest of the season."
Cowan-Dickie will undergo surgery next week in the hope of being available for England's post-season tour of Australia.
His absence paves the way for Jamie George to regain the role of England first-choice hooker for the conclusion of the Six Nations.
"It's a big blow," said Baxter of Cowan-Dickie's injury."He's a very important player here and a very, very good player.He's an influential player.
"We've got some hope that he could feature right at the tail end of the season, particularly if we can extend the season by being in the top four, but it's a little early yet."
But England lock Jonny Hill, who also plays for Exeter, could be available to face Ireland at Twickenham on March 12 following an ankle stress fracture that has sidelined him since the start of the year.
"Jonny Hill took a full part in training yesterday (Wednesday) and today," said England forwards coach Richard Cockerill."It's positive news on him.
"If Jonny comes through training fully with no reaction, there's a good chance he'll be available for selection."
Cockerill also defended England's treatment of Manu Tuilagi after the powerhouse centre withdrew from the team to play Wales following his latest hamstring problem.
Alex Sanderson, the injury-prone Tuilagi's boss at Premiership club Sale, suggested England had overdone the midfielder's training regime.
Cockerill, however, insisted England had got the balance right.
"We have a very good S and C (strength and conditioning) programme here and liaise with the clubs daily.You have to prepare guys to play Test rugby and Manu was doing that," Cockerill said.
England, third behind Grand Slam-chasing France and Ireland, finish their Six Nations campaign in Paris on March 19.
