Dan Cole to miss rest of Six Nations

England have been dealt a huge blow ahead of the vital clash against Ireland with the news that Dan Cole suffering a bulging disc in his neck.
England must beat the Irish in the third round of the Six Nations on Saturday to remain in the hunt but the Leicester Tigers tight head, who was diagnosed after experiencing weakness during a gym session at St George’s Park last week, will not tale part in the fixture as well as the matches against Wales and Italy.
He will be replaced in the starting XV by either Bath‘s David Wilson, who is fit again, or Bath-bound Henry Thomas.
Cole will have further specialist assessment on Tuesday evening and England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “It’s massively disappointing for Dan, Leicester and England but the important thing is that this has been diagnosed and that Dan gets the appropriate rest and treatment.
“Our medics are working closely with Leicester’s to come up with a programme that will ensure Dan returns in the best possible shape. In the meantime, it’s great to have David Wilson back, as well as Henry Thomas who has trained well and came off the bench against Scotland and this will be an opportunity to develop experience in this area.”
Leicester Director of Rugby Richard Cockerill added:  “It’s very disappointing for us and for England, and obviously for Dan, but his long-term fitness is more important. He’ll have time to get over this issue and come back when the medical teams are satisfied with his progress.”