England’s Six Nations preparations have been rocked by further significant disruption, with Courtney Lawes sidelined due to a head injury and Eddie Jones delaying a decision on who will replace the absent Owen Farrell as captain. In another major blow Jonny May has pulled out of the squad with a knee injury.
Jones was expected to name a new captain on Monday and, while England have confirmed that Farrell will miss their opening match against Scotland at the very least – meaning a recall for George Ford – a replacement skipper will not be named until next week. Lawes was the heavy favourite, having stood in successfully during the autumn, but he is now unable to take part in key preparations at England’s training camp in Brighton this week as he undergoes the head injury return-to-play protocols. It is understood Tom Curry will fulfil media duties at the Six Nations launch this week in his role as one of the side’s vice-captains.
