MX23RW : Sunday, December 15 11:08:46| >> :600:279232:279232:
Six Nations | Group Stage
Feb 2, 2020 at 3pm UK
 
France
24-17
England
Rattez (6'), Ollivon (20', 55')
FT
May (57', 65')

Joe Launchbury ruled out of England's Six Nations opener with knee injury

Joe Launchbury ruled out of England's Six Nations opener with knee injury
© Reuters
The Wasps captain picked up the injury during the Challenge Cup defeat against Bordeaux-Begles.

England enter their Guinness Six Nations opener against France without Joe Launchbury after the Wasps captain was ruled out by a knee problem.

Launchbury sustained the injury in the 27-0 Challenge Cup defeat by Bordeaux-Begles a week ago and will sit out the trip to Paris on February 2.

The 28-year-old is receiving treatment at the squad's Algarve training base and it is hoped he will recover in time for the Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland in round two.

England v Scotland – Guinness Six Nations – Twickenham Stadium
Joe Launchbury (centre) celebrates a try during last year's Six Nations 38-38 draw against Scotland (Gareth Fuller/PA Images).

Launchbury was a member of Eddie Jones' World Cup squad last autumn but made only one appearance, against the USA.

Even if fit, the 62-cap second row was unlikely to be involved in the matchday 23 against France.

The trip to Paris will be Simon Amor's first match as England's new attack coach following seven years as Twickenham's sevens supremo, a reign that includes masterminding Team GB's silver medal at the 2016 Olympics.

Amor, whose only XV tracksuit experience was with London Scottish, takes over from Scott Wisemantel having overseen sessions in the build-up to the World Cup.

"Eddie and I had some conversations before Japan. It was wonderful to get the opportunity to work in that environment and we finalised things afterwards," Amor said.

"I feel very lucky. This is a tremendous opportunity to work with a brilliant group of players and a master coach.

"It's really important for me to recognise the huge growth this team has made in attack since Scott Wisemantel came on board.

"As someone who has been doing sevens for the last seven years, watching how England have evolved was great.

"Where can I add value to the team? Sevens is all about space and time. Of course the fundamentals are important, but also knowing that if you get things wrong in sevens you concede tries.

"So how do you put people under pressure and challenge them to grow in that way? That's where I feel we can make some great progress.

"Working in sevens gives you a different perspective and adds to the blend of the coaching team, which is really important in any coaching team."

ID:387482: cacheID:387482:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5282:
Written by
P A
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
England captain Owen Farrell pictured on October 19, 2019
Read Next:
England hold clear-the-air talks over Saracens issue ahead of Six Nations
>
Read more about Joe Launchbury Rugby Union
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Chiefs
@
Browns
6pm
Ravens
@
Giants
6pm
Jets
@
Jags
6pm
Cowboys
@
Panthers
6pm
Washington
@
Saints
6pm
Dolphins
@
Texans
6pm
Bengals
@
Titans
9.25pm
Colts
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Patriots
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Buccaneers
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Steelers
@
Eagles
9.25pm
Bills
@
Lions


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!