England lose star for remainder of Six Nations

NEWS: England lock George Martin has been ruled out of the remainder of the Six Nations through injury.

Martin was unable to take his place on the bench for last weekend’s nail-biting Calcutta Cup victory over Scotland and has now been told he will not be fit for the remaining matches against Italy and Wales.

He has been carrying a knee problem for some time, but England are more concerned by a shoulder problem and have taken him out of the firing line. As it stands, the issue is not thought to need surgery.

Kevin Sinfield, England’s skills and kicking coach, said: “Unfortunately he won’t play any further part in the Six Nations for us. He has actually got two (injuries) – the knee, which has been a niggle for some time, and the shoulder as well.

“It will be the shoulder that will keep him out. We are very hopeful it won’t be long after the Six Nations but there is still some medics investigating further.”

Sinfield suggested the 23-year-old’s bullish playing style may have contributed to his latest setback but insisted England would not have it any other way. “It’s how he plays. He’s that aggressive and that physical that at points his body takes the toll,” said Sinfield.

“You get better with age at understanding your body – what you can and can’t do with it. George is still working some of those bits out but he has done it in the way we would like him to which is being so physical and so aggressive.

“Defensively he has been very good for us all the way through. We will miss him. Attitudinally, he is up there with the best of them with what he brings aggression-wise.”

England have Ted Hill ready to cover as both a back- and second-row option following his return to the international stage against Scotland, while Alex Coles is another possibility to step up as cover for Ollie Chessum.

“It’s an area where there’s been some injuries across the Premiership, second-rowers, so we lose another quality one,” Sinfield added. “There is still plenty of competition for us but clearly George will be missed.”