Cowan-Dickie ruled out of Six Nations with ankle injury
England hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie is a doubt for the Six Nations next month due to an ankle injury that could require surgery.
The Exeter Chiefs hooker limped off during the second half of his side’s big Premiership win over Northampton Saints on Saturday.
The 29-year-old, who has signed for French Top14 champions Montpellier ahead of next season, has been a key cog for the English national team over a number of years and his injury adds to the potential losses of the likes of fly-half Marcus Smith.
“It does look like an operation is going to be required but that said, at this stage, it wouldn’t be a season-ending situation,” Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter said of Cowan-Dickie.
“He’s seeing a surgeon today [Tuesday]; that will maybe give us a more definitive outcome and timing.
“We could still see him back for a good chunk of the season if rehab and everything goes well.”
England begin their Six Nations campaign versus Scotland and finish away to Ireland in March.
Cowan-Dickie in numbers
- England caps: 38
- England tries: 7
- Exeter apps: 152
- Exeter tries: 32