Double injury blow for England as Boks loom

INJURY UPDATE: England suffered a double blow in the build-up to their final year-end Test, against South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday.

England captain Owen Farrell and teammate Jamie George have pulled out of the England squad to face the Springboks due to injuries.

Farrell limped off in the closing stages after suffering an ankle problem during England’s 32-15 win over Australia this past Saturday.

Saracens hooker George sustained a knee issue in the same game against the Wallabies.

Farrell, 30, already missed the win against Tonga earlier in November, after having to isolate following a false-positive COVID test.

“Owen Farrell [ankle] and Jamie George [knee] have withdrawn from the squad with injuries sustained during England’s 32-15 win over Australia last Saturday,” an English Rugby Union statement said on Monday.

Jack Singleton and his uncapped Gloucester teammate Harry Elrington have been called up by England head coach Eddie Jones ahead of the Springboks’ visit to Twickenham.

Singleton, 25, returns to the England fold having won three caps in 2019, including a substitute appearance against the United States during the World Cup pool stage.

Elrington, 27, joined Gloucester ahead of the current season having begun his career with London Irish.

Joe Marler will join the England squad on Friday, after completing his 10-day isolation period following a positive COVID test result.

England will be looking for revenge against South Africa in their first meeting since losing the 2019 World Cup Final 32-12 in Yokohama.