Luke Cowan-Dickie appeared to have nailed down a spot in Steve Borthwick’s first Guinness Six Nations squad with another superb showing in Exeter Chiefs 35-12 victory over Northampton Saints.
The hooker was named Player of the Match, chipping in with two tries as Chiefs climbed to fifth in the Gallagher Premiership table.
But he departed in the 55th minute with an ankle problem which is likely to require surgery, ruling him out of at least the start of the 2023 Championship.
The 41-cap hooker looked set to battle it out with Jamie George for the right to be called England’s No.2 but the new head coach must now consider his alternatives.
Ahead of England’s squad announcement on 16 January, let’s consider those who could step up in Cowan-Dickie’s absence.
