Kruis KO’d for Tests after surgery

ENGLAND are set to be without second-row George Kruis for the autumn internationals.

Kruis was an everpresent for England in last season’s Six Nations starting line-up and on the summer tour to Australia but has had to undergo surgery on an ankle injury.

Saracens are being coy over the length of his likely absence but it is understood he will definitely not be fit for England’s opening game against South Africa in three weeks’ time.

“After consultation with George and England we are all in agreement that it’s in the best interest of the player to undergo this minor procedure now with the majority of the season still ahead of us,” said Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall. “George is on the road to recovery and we look forward to his return to action sooner rather than later.”

With Saracens teammate Maro Itoje being considered for a back-row role against the Springboks, coach Eddie Jones could turn to Joe Launchbury and Courtney Lawes in the engine room. Lawes’ return from a knee injury is timely – as is that of Dylan Hartley alongside him in the Northampton pack. England captain Hartley aggravated a back injury on September 11 at Bristol.

Danny Care returns to the Harlequins bench against Edinburgh at Murrayfield in the Challenge Cup after damaging his ribs three weeks ago.

Worcester scrum-half Francois Hougaard is out for 10-12 weeks after surgery on a shoulder injury which his club claim was not picked up by Springboks medical staff. “We are extremely disappointed that Francois returned to the club with an undiagnosed injury,” said Worcester high performance director Nick Johnston.