World Cup fears for Jack Nowell after fullback appears on crutches

There are major concerns for the World Cup chances of Jack Nowell after the Exeter Chiefs fullback limped off the pitch after a heavy collision in the Gallagher Premiership Final at Twickenham.

Saracens won the Gallagher Premiership after beating Exeter 37-34 in the final at Twickenham, but the injury to the England star marred proceedings.

Referee Wayne Barnes was quick to bring the action to halt after the Nowell appeared to roll awkwardly on his leg in the 69th minute of the match, before being attended to by medics.

The 26-year-old did manage to limp off unaided, though the extent of the injury is as yet unclear.

The British and Irish Lion appeared back on the pitch after full time, on crutches and in tears. It's a cruel blow for the England fullback, especially given the timing - just 10 minutes before the end of the season.

Eddie Jones will be hoping the injury was not worse than it initially looked - with the fleet-footed and powerful back able to play across the back three. A fit Nowell would be a certainty to the make the plane to Japan, and an injury - even if it didn't rule him out completely - could potentially jeopardise his preparations for the tournament.

There was considerable concern for Nowell on Twitter.