Joe Launchbury to miss England's autumn series

Wasps lock Joe Launchbury has been ruled out of England's upcoming autumn internationals with a neck injury.

Launchbury, who has started his country's last 20 Test matches, is poised to be sidelined for six to eight weeks after suffering nerve damage in his neck.

Head coach Stuart Lancaster told Sky Sports News: "It's disappointing but it's important for Joe, England and Wasps that he has the appropriate recovery period. We are confident he'll be back in the New Year."

England kick off the series against world champions New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday, before also facing South Africa, Samoa and Australia in the following weeks.