England hit by Marler injury

Editor

England's injury setbacks continue to grow after it was revealed that Harlequins loosehead prop Joe Marler had broken his leg.

While lock George Kruis might be ready to start England's Six Nations campaign, Marler is likely to miss the first half of the tournament after he was ruled out for up to five weeks.

The loosehead, 26, was sent for an MRI scan which revealed a lower leg fracture. Marler had been earmarked for a starting spot by head coach Eddie Jones after fellow prop Mako Vunipola was ruled out for the start of the tournament with a knee injury.

With Marler and Vunipola out, Jones may hand a first Test start to Leicester's rookie prop Ellis Genge.