Exeter Chiefs and England winger Jack Nowell has been ruled out for eight weeks after tearing his hamstring during the November internationals.
Nowell, 25, picked up the injury in a training session with Eddie Jones’ national side before their 37-15 win over Australia last Saturday.
He played a significant role in England’s other November Test matches, starting in the 35-15 victory over Japan and coming on from the replacements to feature against South Africa and New Zealand.
The injury could put Nowell’s participation in the Six Nations in doubt, with England beginning their campaign away at Ireland on Feb. 2.
The Cornishman will certainly miss Exeter’s crucial Gallagher Premiership clash against Saracens on Dec. 22, which is likely to decide which of the two sides, both defending perfect records so far, will top the table into Christmas.
He will also be unavailable for important back-to-back Heineken Champions Cup matches with Gloucester in December.
Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter admitted it was a blow for his side but said he believes Nowell will be in contention for England’s Six Nations campaign.
“Jack’s got a pretty significant hamstring tear,” Baxter told the Exeter Chiefs website.
“It’s one of those injuries which is likely to be around the eight-week mark, give or take a week depending on how his rehab goes. Ironically, he should be back in time to fight for a place in the Six Nations!”