Morgan's bad break blow for England

World Cup hosts England suffered a cruel setback with the confirmation that Ben Morgan is likely to miss the whole of the forthcoming Six Nations tournament.

This follows in the wake of news that the burly No.8 fractured his leg in Gloucester's Premiership win against Saracens at the weekend.

The 25-year-old Morgan, who was carried off in the second half and given oxygen at Kingsholm, had surgery on Saturday – with Gloucester confirming the player had fractured his lower left leg.

This means he is unlikely to play any part in the Six Nations championship.

"Morgan has suffered a fracture to his lower left leg and had surgery performed on Saturday morning," a Gloucester statement said.

"He will commence an appropriate rehabilitation programme for this type of injury over the coming weeks."

Morgan was among England's more impressive performers in the November Tests after he displaced Billy Vunipola to become first-choice No.8.

The 25-year-old, who has 27 caps, scored two tries against Australia and one against South Africa with his ball-carrying proving a key asset for Stuart Lancaster's men.

But his injury means Vunipola is now likely to start at No.8 in England's Six Nations opener against Wales in Cardiff on February 6.