He joins centre Riki Flutey, fullback Delon Armitage, flanker Tom Rees and fly-half Danny Cipriani on England's growing injury list. Martin Johnson's men kick off their campaign with the visit of the Wallabies to Twickenham on November 7.

"He's a great presence around our team and he will be missed," said Sale director of rugby Kingsley Jones. It's bad news for Andrew, England and Sale Sharks and we just have to come to terms with it."

France will play Tests against South Africa, Samoa and New Zealand in November and Dusautoir has been handed the extra responsibility after handling himself well on France's summer tour to face the All Blacks and Wallabies.

"We are in a crucial period at the moment with a squad that is well established, which is competitive, and which is gradually building up for the World Cup of 2011," Lievremont told AFP. "Thierry has the experience now to fully take on the responsibilities of the captaincy."

Jones is currently out injured with the dislocated shoulder he sustained in the Lions' second Test defeat to the Springboks and is pleased with the faith shown in him by the region.

"It's nice to sign a contract while I'm still out injured, it means that I can just focus on the next two months and being back playing just before Christmas without this hanging over me," he said. "The Ospreys could have said to me that they wanted to see how my shoulder mended before committing to a contract so it's great to see that they've got the faith in me and I want to reward that faith.

"I've been around for a while now, first at Neath, and then with the Ospreys since the start, but there's still a lot that I want to achieve here. There's a lot more to come from me and from the Ospreys, which is why it's pleasing to have at least another three years."