Watson set to miss autumn series after injury relapse

Anthony Watson has suffered a fresh setback in his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon, which is likely to rule him out of England’s autumn internationals.

The 24-year-old back, who shone for the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand last summer, was injured during England’s defeat by Ireland at Twickenham in March.

He needed surgery and was initially expected to require six months of rehabilitation, ruling him out of England’s tour to South Africa but leaving scope for him to return for the beginning of the 2018-19 domestic season.

However, it now appears Watson may not play again until at least the start of next year, with a second operation on the cards.

On Thursday evening, he posted a picture on Instagram of him being taken from the pitch at Twickenham, with the caption “God’s will”, and a host of high-profile players, both current and retired, replied with messages of support.

Despite starting all three Tests for the Lions on the right wing, the third and final match against New Zealand coming on July 8, Watson was back in action for Bath less than two months later.

Prior to the fateful Six Nations meeting with Ireland, Watson had accrued 1,696 minutes of top-level rugby over the 2017-18 season – 793 in the Premiership, 480 in the Champions Cup and 423 for England.

England are scheduled to face South Africa, New Zealand, Japan and Australia in November. In the absence of Nowell and Watson, Jonny May enjoyed a strong series against the Springboks.