Courtney Lawes Lions chances ruined by injury setback

With competition for Warren Gatland's 36-man squad to take on South Africa, missing the final three games will be a huge blow to his chances.

"He picked up a knock on Wednesday and that means he won’t be available for us for the rest of the Six Nations," revealed attack coach Simon Amor

"It was a fall, he tweaked his pec, it’s obviously very disappointing but these things happen and we’ll look at the replacement after the Wales game.”

"He - Courtney Lawes - is an experienced player," Amor continued.

"He brings a line-out threat and great defensive energy. But we have some fantastic players, particularly with Mark Wilson.

"He is one of our work-rate players and brings strength around the breakdown."

DID YOU KNOW? In the summer of 2009, Courtney Lawes was a member of the England Under 20 team that reached the final of the JWC in Tokyo

Wales: 5/2

England: 17/35

Draw: 24/1

The flanker suffered extensive knee damage against Italy that is expected to end both his season and his dreams of playing for the British & Irish Lions in the summer. Willis' left leg buckled awkwardly after Sebastian Negri pulled him out of a ruck, leaving the Wasps back row crying out in pain.

The 2013 Lion was in the form of his life in early 2021, earning a deserved recall to the Wales XV for their opening Six Nations match against Ireland. However, what was a dream quickly turned into a. nightmare as the back-rower suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the 21-16 victory at the Principality Stadium.

Tipped by Sir Ian McGeechan to be a Lions bolter, Dorsi reportedly travelled to Birmingham in early February to see a neurologist for his ongoing issues around concussion. Doris was concussed within four minutes of his international debut last year, against Scotland, but returned to face England a fortnight later.

After controversially being left out of the 2017 Lions squad, fans were hopeful he'd finally get his chance this time around. However, then the news that he has pulled out of the Six Nations through injury, having suffered a stress fracture to his leg, is a blow to his chances.

The 29-year-old is currently recovering from surgery on his achilles tendon that will keep him on the sidelines until at least May. With the squad set to be announced that month, Tuilagi is facing a race against time to prove his fitness to Warren Gatland.