Leicester prop Graham Rowntree has admitted the loss of Martin Johnson will be a huge blow to England's chances of landing a Grand Slam in Dublin next Saturday.

The England skipper has been ruled out of the game after breaking his hand in yesterday's 21-11 Zurich Premiership victory over Northampton at Franklin's Gardens.

Johnson fell on his wrist during an innocuous collision with Andy Newman during the first half of the game and though he carried on until the interval, he was clearly in some pain during the break.

X-rays in Leicester on Saturday night confirmed the worst possible news, and Dean Richards privately expressed fears that the damage could keep his captain out for up to six weeks.

Johnson may therefore not only miss next weekend's trip to Ireland, but also the entire autumn international programme, including high-profile clashes with Australia and South Africa next month.

With Lawrence Dallaglio already out, England coach Clive Woodward, who was at Northampton for Saturday's game, is likely to hand Matt Dawson the skipper's role, even though he was outshone by Austin Healey during yesterday's encounter.

"It will be a massive loss to England next week," said Rowntree, who is also hoping to force his way into Woodward's plans after an outstanding start to the campaign.

"Being Martin, he was determined to get through to half-time but he obviously couldn't carry on. The fact that we won the game anyway just shows the strength of the squad we have at Leicester."

Ironically, Tigers lock Ben Kay could be the man to benefit from Johnson's absence by being offered the chance to partner Danny Grewcock in the second row.

Leicester director of rugby Richards insisted Neil Back would be fit to link up with the England squad, even though the combative flanker needed stitches in a cut he sustained above the eye barely two minutes into yesterday's game.

Martin Corry's fitness will need to be monitored more closely after he pulled out of the game with a hamstring strain.

Once again, Leicester showed the type of resilience which has taken them to three successive Premiership titles, overhauling a five-point lead with two tries in as many minutes to secure yet another crucial away triumph.

Healey burrowed his way over just before the hour, before Rod Kafer scored his first for the club, darting 30 metres after the Leicester pack had turned over Northampton possession in midfield.

"These are the games we keep winning and I guess that is why we have won the title for the last three years," said Rowntree.

"It was always going to be tough but it was just the kind of physical run-out we needed."