Six Nations 2015: Owen Farrell and Brad Barritt OUT of England’s opener against Wales and could miss entire series
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Owen Farrell and Brad Barritt are out of England’s Six Nations opener against Wales amid doubts over whether they will play any part in the championship.
Standard Sport understands Barritt’s knee injury is likely to sideline the Saracens centre for a month. With Kyle Eastmond troubled by a shoulder problem, it opens the way for Billy Twelvetrees to take over at No12 in Cardiff a week on Friday.
Farrell will have further scans on his left knee injury later this week to determine whether he needs surgery.
England’s most reliable goal kicker could struggle to get back for any of the championship, which finishes on March 21.
His loss puts huge pressure on George Ford to make the No10 position his own in what will be his debut Six Nations. Danny Cipriani and Stephen Myler are vying for a place on the bench.
Tom Croft and Christian Day have been called into the senior squad as cover for Tom Wood (ankle) and Geoff Parling (knee) who look certain to miss the Wales match.
Meanwhile, former Australia coach Robbie Deans will take charge of the Barbarians for matches against Ireland and an England XV. The first game is at Thomond Park on May 28 followed by the Twickenham clash on May 31.
