England's worst fears confirmed over Vunipola

England number eight Billy Vunipola will definitely miss the entire Six Nations.

It was confirmed on Friday that Vunipola’s fractured forearm will take approximately 12 weeks to recover, meaning he’s unlikely to return until April.

Vunipola picked up the injury playing for Saracens against the Ospreys in the European Rugby Champions Cup last weekend.

“We will continue to monitor Billy’s injury and of course provide the necessary support framework to get him back and fully fit,” a Saracens spokesman said.

The 25-year old has only started one game for England since November 2016, when he injured his knee against Argentina.

He also missed the British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand because of a shoulder problem.

On Thursday England head coach Eddie Jones named his 35-man squad which will travel to Portugal for a training camp next week.

With Wasps duo Nathan Hughes and James Haskell also out of contention, Exeter’s Sam Simmonds is being hotly tipped to slot in at number eight for England’s Six Nations opener with Italy in Rome on February 4^th.

Bath back row Zach Mercer could feature too, he’s been promoted from his apprentice role and is one of eight uncapped players in England’s squad.