"Season-ending" - Possible front-row crisis looms for England this summer after two key players sustain major injuries

Both front-row players were forced off during Sale’s 26-17 Champions Cup win over Harlequins, taking some of the shine off a strong performance that saw the Sharks reach the quarter-finals.

Rodd, the loosehead prop, suffered a dislocated shoulder in the first half at the Twickenham Stoop. Medical staff were able to put it back in place on the field.

Hooker Cowan-Dickie, who scored once in each half, left late in the game with what was initially thought to be a broken arm. That injury has now been confirmed.

"Season ending injuries for them both. Luke's got a broken arm, straight break, forearm. He's had to have it pinned, had that done yesterday. He should be good, all being well, to make the England tour, if selected.

"Bevan's a dislocated shoulder, seeing surgeon today, more of a 14/16 week if been told but we'll get more information from the surgeon and specialist."

England are set to play world champions South Africa at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, before returning for an “away” match against Fiji at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool.

They will then head to Argentina to face Los Pumas at Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero on July 18.

Sale’s options at hooker have been further reduced, with Cowan-Dickie sidelined and Nathan Jibulu facing a possible suspension after being cited for allegedly biting Harlequins replacement prop Will Hobson.

The incident is believed to have taken place in the 69th minute of the Champions Cup last-16 tie at the Stoop.

Under World Rugby regulations, a biting offence can result in a ban ranging from 12 weeks at the lower end to as much as 208 weeks, which is four years, for the most serious cases.

Law 9.12 states that a player must not physically abuse anyone, and that includes biting.

"We are strong, but not as strong as what we were. We've got some experience in Ethan Caine and depending on the hearing, we lean into the mercurial talent of Alfie Longstaff."

Sanderson also said there are no plans to bring in new players as cover this week.

Hooker Tadhg McElroy will not be involved either, after leaving the club. He initially joined as injury cover last season and then stayed on a longer deal this year.

"We've parted ways really amicably. He's loved his time here, not really getting a look in in terms of the pecking order, that's partly through injury, partly through things he can't control and partly through form, we've discussed that.

"He's going to continue playing rugby just not on the roster here moving forward."

Raffi Quirke is also expected to be out for around another five weeks with a grade 2C hamstring injury.