England lose Farrell for final Test

Editor

England fly-half Owen Farrell has been ruled out of Saturday's final Test against New Zealand in Hamilton due to a knee injury.

England fly-half Owen Farrell has been ruled out of Saturday's final Test against New Zealand in Hamilton due to a knee injury.

Farrell sustained a strain to to the medial ligament in his left knee during last weekend's second Test in Dunedin.

Freddie Burns, was England's starting fly-half during the first Test in Auckland, is the favourite to replace Farrell with Stephen Myler and Danny Cipriani the other options in the squad.

“The knee has been scanned and there is a strain there,” said England boss Stuart Lancaster.

“It's disappointing for Owen as he was desperate to play in the final Test but such is his character that he is already working on his rehab and still contributing to the tour.

“Fortunately we have three other fly halves to call on and we'll make that selection call over the next few days.

“The squad trained well this morning and we will narrow down selection over the next 24 hours following the game this evening.”

Scrum-half Danny Care is still doubtful for Saturday's Test but midfield duo Luther Burrell and Billy Twelvetrees both trained on Tuesday.