England prop Mako Vunipola has been ruled out of the rest of the Six Nations with an ankle ligament injury, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) said on Tuesday.
Vunipola was forced off during the second half of England’s win over France on Sunday and will now miss the final three rounds of the campaign, starting with the trip to face Wales in Cardiff in two week’s time.
England head coach Eddie Jones described the injury as “very disappointing” but said it provides an opportunity to other players. Exeter Chiefs forward Ben Moon replaced Vunipola against France.
“It is obviously very disappointing to lose Mako at this stage as he is an important player for us but it does provide an opportunity for the team to grow,” Jones said.
England play Wales in Cardiff on Feb. 23 before finishing their campaign at home to Italy and then Scotland.
Jones’ side are aiming for the Grand Slam having won their opening two matches of the tournament, with Wales also winning their first two games.