Courtney Lawes to miss start of Six Nations with ankle injury

Courtney Lawes has been ruled out of the start of England's Six Nations campaign after being told he will need surgery on his injured ankle.

The 25-year-old lock, who has won 30 caps at international level, was expected to play a key role for Stuart Lancaster's side following his involvement in the autumn nationals.

However, Northampton Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder confirmed to reporters that Lawes will undergo an operation on his ankle on Monday morning, and will be out for "a few weeks".

It remains unclear whether Lawes will play any part in the campaign, but he will certainly miss the opener against Wales in Cardiff on February 6.