Hannah Botterman and May Campbell will miss the rest of the Women’s Six Nations Championship after both players were ruled out with injuries requiring surgery.
Prop Botterman will undergo a second operation on an ankle injury she sustained while playing for Bristol Bears Women in December. Meanwhile, Saracens hooker Campbell is scheduled to have knee surgery next week.
In response to the injuries, England have called up Delaney Burns from Bristol and Liz Crake from Saracens Women to provide cover in the squad.
More Injury Concerns For England
The injury list has grown further with Alex Matthews ruled out of England’s upcoming match against Scotland women’s national rugby union team at Murrayfield Stadium.
Matthews picked up a shoulder injury during England’s 33-12 victory over Ireland women’s national rugby union team last weekend.
England are expected to confirm their matchday squad for the Scotland fixture later on Thursday.
Several Players Already Missing
England were already dealing with multiple absences before the start of the tournament. Centre Tatyana Heard had been ruled out of the entire competition due to a foot injury.
Earlier this week, scrum-half Natasha Hunt and lock Morwenna Talling were also sidelined after suffering leg injuries during the match against Ireland.
Several members of the squad that won the Women’s Rugby World Cup last year are unavailable for other reasons as well. Zoe Aldcroft, Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan and Lark Atkin-Davies are currently pregnant, while Emily Scarratt and Abby Dow have retired from international rugby.
Despite the setbacks, England remain among the favourites to compete strongly in this year’s Women’s Six Nations.
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