Farrell ruled out of Six Nations opener

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England fly-half Owen Farrell

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 13: Owen Farrell of England lines up a penalty kick during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and Italy at Twickenham Stadium on February 13, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

England captain Owen Farrell is set to miss their Six Nations opener against Scotland after suffering an injury while training with Saracens.

In Eddie Jones’ squad announcement press conference, Jones reiterated that ‘is the right man to lead the team’, despite calls for his removal from the captaincy role.

LONDON, – FEBRUARY 06: of England is tackled by and Scott Cummings during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and at Stadium on February 06, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Farrell hasn’t played for since November because of an ankle injury and had hoped to return against in the Challenge Cup on Sunday.

Jones refused to reveal his vice captains, but it is expected that Courtney Lawes – who shone as captain in last year’s Nations Series in Farrell’s absence, will take the reins once more.

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: Courtney Lawes of England waves to fans after receiving the man of the match award during the 2020 Guinness Six Nations match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium on February 23, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

It is expected that Marcus Smith will start at 10 with Jones’ options at inside centre now seemingly limited to Mark Atkinson or Henry Slade from his 36-man squad.

It is unknown the length or nature of Farrell’s injury, but it is expected he will return for England’s match away in Italy in round two of the tournament on the 13th February.

Written by Ben Jaycock

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