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England suffer Brookes blow

KieranBrookes15SB800
England coach Eddie Jones has been dealt another blow with the news that Kieran Brookes will miss the start of the RBS 6 Nations.

England coach Eddie Jones has been dealt another blow with the news that Kieran Brookes will miss the start of the RBS 6 Nations.

The Northampton tighthead had been one of the form players in the Premiership and looked set to challenge Dan Cole and David Wilson for a starting spot with the Red Rose.

Unfortunately for the 25-year-old, he has suffered a knee injury and undergone surgery which will keep him out for a number of weeks.

That makes it almost certain that he will miss the start of the Six Nations, and it is not yet clear whether he will return in time to play any part in the tournament.

“He will be out for quite a few weeks,” said Northampton director of rugby, Jim Mallinder. “It is a big blow because he was playing and scrummaging really well.”

Brookes made his RBS 6 Nations debut in 2015, coming off the bench against Wales in Cardiff in the opening game of the tournament as England finished second.

Jones will take charge of England for the first time in their opening Calcutta Cup fixture against Scotland at BT Murrayfield on February 6.

He is already without Henry Slade and Alex Corbisiero, the former having broken his leg in club action while the latter is taking a break from the game after a series of injuries.

Click here for the 2016 RBS 6 Nations schedule