England injury crisis deepens with wing Wade set to miss Six Nations
EXPLOSIVE wing Christian Wade has added to England coach Stuart Lancaster’s ever-growing injury list after club side London Wasps confirmed he is to undergo surgery on a foot injury, ruling him out of next year’s Six Nations.
Wade suffered “significant ligament damage” in Wasps’ 19-12 win at London Irish on Saturday and is expected to be sidelined for six months.
The 22-year-old joins fellow Red Rose backs Marland Yarde, Ben Foden, Brad Barritt, Manu Tuilagi and Joel Tomkins on the treatment table, with the quintet all doubtful to be fit for the Six Nations opener in France on 1 February.
“Christian was hugely unlucky to miss out on being capped this Autumn with England and he had hoped to push on and put in some good performances for Wasps to get him in contention for Six Nations selection,” said Wasps’ director of rugby Dai Young.
“It’s devastating news for both the player and the club.”
Wade was in line to add to his solitary England cap during the autumn internationals in place of out-of-form Chris Ashton, but a hamstring injury curtailed Lancaster’s plans.
With Harlequins wing Ugo Monye out for two months Lancaster could turn to Saxons trio Charlie Sharples, David Strettle and Jonny May to provide the tonic to his injury headache.
The condition of England’s forwards is also adding to Lancaster’s concerns with flanker Tom Croft out for the season.
Meanwhile lock Geoff Parling and front-rowers Alex Corbisiero and Mako Vunipola are set for extended spells on the sidelines.