World Cup dream over for Care

England scrum-half Danny Care has been ruled out of the Rugby Word Cup with a toe injury.

Care will undergo surgery this week after damaging a joint in his left big toe in last weekend's 19-9 defeat to Wales.

England medics anticipate Care will be sidelined for six weeks, ruling him out of the initial 30-man World Cup squad to be announced by manager Martin Johnson on August 22.

Johnson said: "We are all hugely disappointed for Danny who has worked extremely hard and has been an important part of the squad throughout our Rugby World Cup preparations.

"He featured in both warm-up fixtures and was on course for selection so this injury is really disappointing for him personally and for us as a squad.

"Nobody wants to see a player ruled out at this stage through injury and we all wish Danny a speedy recovery.

"In terms of our selection options we are fortunate to have depth at nine with Ben Youngs, now back into full training, Joe Simpson and Richard Wigglesworth.

"These guys have all been part of the Rugby World Cup camp and will be considered ahead of the final 30 man squad announced on Monday."