England’s Anthony Watson absent again for Scotland clash

England wing Anthony Watson will not be fit to return for this week’s Six Nations meeting with Scotland, forwards coach Matt Proudfoot has revealed.

Watson was missing with a calf injury as the Rugby World Cup runners-up made a dismal start to the campaign in France last week.

England were beaten 24-17 in Paris, failing to score a single point in the first half of a Five or Six Nations fixture for the first time since 1988.

Bath star Watson was expected to return for the key Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield on Saturday, but Proudfoot has revealed this will not be the case.

“Anthony felt it [his calf] again yesterday and we won’t consider him for Scotland,” Proudfoot said on Wednesday.

The news represents another big blow for Eddie Jones’ side, who will also be without Manu Tuilagi against Scotland.

Tuilagi limped off against France due to a groin strain, with the home game against Ireland on February 23 targeted for his return.

KEO.co.za News wire is powered by opta