England and Exeter Chiefs winger Jack Nowell will miss the bulk of the Autumn Nations Cup after revealing he’s been playing through injury.
The 27-year-old played a key role as Rob Baxter’s men completed their first domestic and European double; beating Wasps to win the Premiership title on Saturday.
However, Nowell now faces up to a month on the sidelines after it was confirmed that the wide-man will have to undergo surgery on torn ligaments in his toe.
“I’ve ruptured all the ligaments around my toe, which is not ideal. I’ve been strapped up for the last two weeks and have had to dig deep a little bit,” Nowell said.
“Our physios and doctors have got me in a position where I can be on the field and unfortunately I am going to have to get it fixed next week.
“If I’m perfectly honest, I haven’t trained in two weeks. I’ve loved that, but the coaches have hated it. They’ve trusted me to go out there and perform at the weekend.”
LIST | 5 things we absolutely loved in rugby this weekend
1. Alun Wyn Jones belting out the Welsh anthem with no fans
The Wales captain – equalling Richie McCaw’s world cap record of 148 Tests when he took to the field to face France – could be seen putting his all into Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.