England
Billy Vunipola to miss rest of Six Nations
ESPN Staff
February 24, 2014
Mako Vunipola checks on his brother Billy after he hobbled off the field, England v Ireland, Six Nations, Twickenham, February 22, 2014
Billy Vunipola will now miss England's remaining matches against Wales and Italy © Getty Images
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Billy Vunipola has been ruled out of the remainder of the Six Nations with an ankle injury he sustained at the weekend.

Vunipola hobbled off after twisting his right ankle in a tackle by Devin Toner shortly before half-time during the 13-10 win over Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday and, as a result, will now miss England's final two games against Wales and Italy.

"It's a blow as Billy has had a good Six Nations but he is young and will be back," Stuart Lancaster said.

Lancaster admitted Vunipola was "no more than 50-50" to feature against Wales, but a scan on Monday revealed the extent of the ligament damage is worse than first feared. However, it is not known how much more of the season the Saracens back row will miss.

Ben Morgan replaced Vunipola against Ireland and will be promoted to the starting line-up for the visit of Wales on Sunday week. Either Tom Johnson or Matt Kvesic will take Morgan's place on the bench.

"The encouraging thing is that we have Ben Morgan and other back rows such as Matt Kvesic and Tom Johnson who are all competing hard for places," Lancaster said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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