Steve Borthwick facing Six Nations captaincy conundrum after England’s latest injury setback – report

Key England prop Ellis Genge is struggling to be fit for the start of the Six Nations after suffering an injury last month.

The loosehead picked up a hamstring issue in early December and has been sidelined since then, missing Bristol Bears’ Christmas and New Year’s fixtures.

Bristol expected the front-rower to be fit by the start of the Six Nations but, according to the Daily Mail, he is facing a race against time to be ready for the start of the tournament.

Drastic measures

They are reporting that Genge is using a hyperbaric chamber, which involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised environment, to improve his chances of a quicker recovery.

It is understood that the prop will not play any club games between now and the start of the Six Nations, although the Bears are hopeful that he will be available for Steve Borthwick.

However, should the prop fail to make the opener against Italy on February 3, it will open up a number of issues for the head coach.

First of all, England are potentially facing a crisis at loosehead, with Bevan Rodd guaranteed to miss the whole of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Joe Marler suffered an arm injury during Harlequins’ victory over Gloucester in Big Game 15 and was sent for a scan to determine the extent of the problem.

According to the Mail, it is thought to be minor and he will only miss their clash against Newcastle Falcons.

If that is the case then Marler will probably reprise his role from the Rugby World Cup semi-final and start against the Azzurri.

Captaincy

Bristol’s encounter with Sale Sharks was initially pencilled in as Genge’s return match, but this latest setback will likely see him miss the club’s January fixtures.

The prop was also in contention for the England captaincy following Owen Farrell’s decision to step away from Test rugby to protect his and his family’s mental health.

Genge was one of England’s vice captains – alongside Courtney Lawes – for the World Cup but, after the flanker retired, the loosehead was among the favourites to take the skipper role.

However, Borthwick may now lean towards hooker Jamie George, who is a guaranteed starter and has the ability to go 80 minutes.

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