Six Nations

Warburton to miss Six Nations

Warburton hasn't played since July, when he captained the British and Irish Lions to a series draw in New Zealand.

Following rest, he had neck surgery in September so he could return to club action in the new year and be available for another Six Nations tilt.

But Warburton and the Welsh Rugby Union decided that when he returns he should do so free of all aches and pains, so he had his left knee operated on.

Six Nations: England thrash Scotland to equal rugby world record

Yet England, off color so far in this tournament, dazzled at Twickenham to not only retain their Six Nations title but equal the world record of 18 consecutive Test victories for a Tier One side, set by New Zealand last year.

Mako left out, Watson returns

Vunipola has been out since December with a knee injury and had been expected to return for the Twickenham clash on February 26.

That now appears unlikely, although he could feature for Saracens when they take on Gloucester in the Aviva Premiership on Friday as he looks to prove his fitness.

Northampton prop Paul Hill has therefore been retained but Wasps' Matt Mullan has been left out.

Kruis out of France clash

Kruis, who had only been given the all-clear to face France last week after recovering from a fractured cheekbone, was forced to miss training on Tuesday with the knee injury.

The Saracens lock will see a specialist on Thursday to determine further management of the injury and head coach Eddie Jones is not giving up hope he will be available later in the tournament.

"We'll have to wait and see what the specialist's prognosis is, but we're not ruling him out of the Six Nations at this stage," said Jones.

Six Nations changes mooted

The tournament's organising committee will look at a proposal made by the Aviva Premiership which would remove the two weekends when fixtures are not played.

This year's competition runs from February 4 until March 18 but no games are scheduled for the weekends of February 18-19 and March 3-4.

A potential start time for the new format has yet to be discussed and any change would align with the beginning of the new global season in 2020.