Itoje ruled out of Wales game

Maro Itoje has been ruled out of England’s Guinness Six Nations match with Wales.

He’s failed to recover after injuring medial ligaments during England’s 32-20 win over Ireland at the Aviva on matchday one.

He was initially expected to be ruled out for the rest of the tournament, but the England camp had express positive noises in the build-up to Saturday’s game with Wales at the Principality Stadium, which has been billed as the Grand Slam decider.

in the aftermath of England’s 44-8 win over France at Twickenham head coach Eddie Jones refused to rule out Itoje’s return in time for the Wales clash, while on Monday England defence coach John Mitchell said the Saracens club man was “progressing nicely”.

Forwards coach Steve Borthwick told Sky Sports that he was “not quite ready” to face Wales.

“He continues to rehab day-by-day. He is not going to be available for Saturday’s game. So you are always looking to the future and the timelines of progression is day-by-day. He is doing well, but not quite ready for Saturday.”

Asked whether he’d be ready to return for the Italy game Borthwick said: “I expect him to continue to be monitored on a day-by-day basis and progress. he is not fit for this Saturday and right now I am not looking beyond that.

It means that England are likely to stick with the second row combination of Courtney Lawes and George Kruis for the game with Wales, with Joe Launchbury on the bench.

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