Six Nations: Tom Curry OUT of England’s clash with Wales after picking up leg injury

Tom Curry has been ruled out of England’s Six Nations trip to Wales this weekend with a leg injury.

The flanker, who has previously captained the side, was fast-tracked back into the squad after making his Sale comeback on Saturday.

However, his return has been short-lived, with his twin brother Ben replacing him in Steve Borthwick’s 26-man squad.

His absence increases the likelihood of a return for Courtney Lawes, who is in contention to make his first Test appearance since the summer tour of Australia.

Lawes’ campaign has so far been disrupted by concussion, neck, glute and calf injuries, but he is now set to play a part in Saturday’s showdown in Cardiff.

Tom Curry has been ruled out of England’s Six Nations trip to Wales on Saturday with an injury

The flanker has been replaced in the squad for Saturday’s match by twin brother Ben (pictured)

Borthwick sent 10 players back to their clubs, including Ben Youngs, Ben Earl, Sam Simmonds and George Ford.

There will be at least one guaranteed change to the starting XV after Ollie Hassell-Collins was ruled out of the match with a knee injury.

Anthony Watson and Cadan Murley are retained as wing cover, while Henry Arundell represents another option after being promoted off the bench.

However, it remains to be seen whether Saturday’s game even goes ahead with Wales players still considering strike action amid a dispute over pay.

Head coach Warren Gatland admitted on Tuesday that he can’t guarantee his side will line up for Saturday’s Six Nations encounter, but remains confident a breakthrough can be made before then.

Asked if he’d been guaranteed the game would be on by his WRU bosses, he said: ‘Not at the moment but I’m confident that with the discussions taking place hopefully something will get resolved today.

It is still unclear whether Saturday’s game will go ahead with Wales stars threatening to strike 

‘It’s been a bit of a challenge, but sometimes that galvanizes people and brings them together. I wanted to get things resolved hopefully today and we can just focus on the game for Saturday.’

Gatland was originally due to name his side to face England at midday on Tuesday, but that has now been pushed back to later in the week. 

On Wednesday, every professional player in Wales will meet with representatives of the country’s rugby board and hold discussions on how to avoid a strike.