Vunipola’s Six Nations campaign could be over before it starts
Confirmation of broken arm would rule Billy out of England’s campaign.
England have been given a major scare on the eve of their Six Nations squad announcement after Billy Vunipola suffered a suspected broken arm on European duty for Saracens.
If confirmed, it will be the fourth time Vunipola has fractured one of his arms and the injury would almost certainly rule him out of the entire Championship.
Vunipola’s ball-carrying at number eight is one of England’s greatest assets, forcing Jones to look at alternatives.
Another flanker who has been earning rave reviews this season is Vunipola’s team-mate Ben Earl, a blockbusting openside who at 22 is a fixture in Saracens’ back row.
Also lighting up Allianz Park has been wing Rotimi Segun, although he is operating in a competitive position.
While England can pick players competing in the Championship, there is no precedent for it and the club are seeking urgent discussions with Jones over his view on the matter.
It will be Jones’ first England squad since the World Cup and the Australian stated in November following the defeat by South Africa in the final that the team that had excelled in Japan was “finished”.
Uncapped Northampton full-back George Furbank is set to feature in the group that will travel to Portugal on Thursday for a pre-Championship training camp.
The 23-year-old has caught the eye so far in his second season at Saints and will put pressure on Elliot Daly for the number 15 jersey, although Anthony Watson remains an option.
Jones has also been keeping an eye on Furbank’s Northampton team-mate Dave Ribbans but the second row is struggling with an ankle injury and is likely to miss out.
