Calf injury rules Anthony Watson out of England’s World Cup campaign

Anthony Watson picked up the injury during the warm up game against Ireland
©PA
England have been dealt another blow ahead of the Rugby World Cup campaign with winger Anthony Watson ruled out of the tournament due to a calf injury.

The 29-year-old sustained the injury during England’s warm-up fixture against Ireland last weekend and now follows the likes of scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet to miss the showpiece event in France.

The absence of Watson is likely to see Jonny May starting at the wing in the final warm-up game against Fiji with head coach Steve Borthwick set to announce a replacement next week.

“In the game against Ireland, Anthony Watson suffered an injury to his calf which means he can’t play for a number of weeks,

“As such he will not be part of the 33 that travels to France next week. We’re all really disappointed for him.”

England are already without skipper Owen Farrell, who will miss the opening two Pool games against Argentina and Japan after receiving a four-game suspension while number eight Billy Vunipola will also miss the opening encounter on 9th September against the Pumas.

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