May blow for England

His club, Gloucester, said the 25-year-old has had surgery on a ligament injury suffered during the Premiership game against Harlequins at Twickenham 11 days ago.

He will therefore miss the Six Nations championship, in addition to being ruled out of his club's domestic and European campaigns.

"Following an operation on his left knee on Tuesday, Jonny May will be ruled out of the remainder of the campaign," the club said in a statement on social media.

May has won 19 caps and started three of England's games during their dismal World Cup campaign last year.

He has scored six tries in his last 12 Tests, and although he has sometimes struggled for consistency at the highest level, his finishing ability meant he was a potent attacking force for England.

And May's absence is a further blow for new England head coach Eddie Jones, as he builds towards the Six Nations opener against Scotland at Murrayfield on February 6.

Jones has been dealt three injury setbacks this week alone – with Leicester forward Ed Slater and Bath lock Dave Attwood both facing lengthy spells on the sidelines.

Tigers skipper Slater, who can play in the second row and back row, will be out for up to two months because of a knee injury, while Attwood has undergone neck surgery and is unlikely to play again before late March.

Slater and Attwood join England's ever-lengthening list of injuries, with May, props Kieran Brookes and Alex Corbisiero, back row Dave Ewers and centres Henry Slade and Manu Tuilagi set to miss all, or part, of the Six Nations.

Jones is due to announce the first elite player squad of his reign next week.

News | Following an operation on his left knee on Tuesday. Jonny May will be ruled out of the remainder of the 2015/16 campaign.

— Gloucester Rugby (@gloucesterrugby) January 7, 2016