"Major blow" - 5 players who WON'T be in England's 2024 Six Nations squad

In this article, we explore the notable absences that will impact England's campaign.

From experienced leaders to dynamic talents, the team will be without several instrumental figures, each leaving a void that will test the squad's depth and adaptability.

Join us as we delve into the reasons behind their unavailability and analyze the potential implications for England's performance in the upcoming Six Nations.

Curry's absence from the remaining matches in the Gallagher Premiership Rugby season and the entire 2024 Six Nations is confirmed due to a hip injury.

The problem has steadily deteriorated since England secured third place in the Rugby World Cup against Argentina.

A specialist has diagnosed the 25-year-old flanker with the need for surgery, necessitating an extended period of recovery.

“This is the only option,” Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson said. “Tom has been back down to London to have further extensive X-rays under movement with a different consultant and this is the best thing for him in the short term.

“I know it sounds long-term - the season - but it’s not. He’s still a young lad and it’s the best thing for him in the short term to ensure he’s able to be more robust moving forward and to train and progress his game the way he wants to.

“He has just got some wear and tear issues around his socket and a little bone that needs shaving off and cleaning up.

“My understanding is there are three procedures you can have on your hip of this nature. One is this, which is the least invasive. Then you can have a metal resurfacing and then you can have a hip replacement, so I guess this is the better of lesser evils.”

The 27-year-old recently inked a three-year contract with Stade Francais. Despite showcasing remarkable performances in recent months, earning him a consistent spot under Steve Borthwick, Marchant will be unable to participate in the upcoming Six Nations next year.

Unless there are rule modifications, his return to the England lineup is improbable until the autumn of 2026 at the earliest.

Earlier this year, the eighth player opted to remove himself from consideration for the Rugby World Cup squad representing England.

This decision, which surprised both fans and experts, was particularly unexpected given Simmonds' remarkable performances in the Guinness Six Nations earlier in the year.

Having participated in every match, his on-field contributions had firmly established him as a formidable candidate for the forthcoming World Cup in France. However, with his move to the Montpellier side in the Top 14, he has foreclosed the possibility of representing England once more.

Thriving since his relocation to Toulouse and sharing the field with notable players such as Antoine Dupont, he will, unfortunately, be ineligible for selection next year.

This is attributed to the Rugby Football Union's policy of refraining from choosing players based abroad. While he had initially received special dispensation, this privilege expired upon his return to Toulouse following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Known for his dominant runs, impressive defensive skills, and prolific try-scoring performances, Jack Nowell became an emblem of English rugby throughout his tenure with the national team. However, with his current stint playing for La Rochelle in France, Nowell is ineligible to represent England in the foreseeable future.

Regardless of where the nickname came from, once it starts circulating throughout the media it is very hard to shake. Most rugby players embrace their nicknames, however others may wish that their teammates hadn't been so quick witted with the monickers.

We've put together the ultimate quiz of rugby nicknames, and challenge you to name the rugby player behind these 20 sobriquets. You have five minutes, and your time starts now, Good luck!