England duo out of Six Nations

England will be without the services of flanker Tom Rees and winger David Strettle for the remainder of the Six Nations due to injuries picked up in the side's 19-26 loss to Wales on Saturday.

England will be without the services of flanker Tom Rees and winger David Strettle for the remainder of the Six Nations due to injuries picked up in the side's 19-26 loss to Wales on Saturday.

Both players were forced to leave the pitch in the first and second half respectively with Strettle – who missed out on the World Cup with a similar injury – limping off in the opening quarter.

The Harlequins flyer sustained a hairline fracture to his 5th metatarsal in his left foot and will be out of action for approximately 4-8 weeks, although he will return to see the specialist in three weeks' time to monitor his progress.

Rees suffered a partial tear of the medial collateral ligament in his left knee, with an MRI scan on Monday confirming the extent of his injury.

London Wasps medical team predict that Rees will be in rehab for approximately eight weeks.

“This is very disappointing news, particularly bearing in mind way Tom was playing in Saturday's game and I think his departure had a significant impact on England's performance in the remainder of the game,” said Ian McGeechan, London Wasps Director of Rugby.

“Our medical and rehab team will working very hard in the coming weeks to get Tom back to full fitness as soon as possible.”

The duo's loss is a huge blow for England head coach Brian Ashton, who must now make at least three changes for the Italy encounter in Rome on Sunday with centre Mike Tindall also ruled out after suffering bruising to his liver.