10 Oct 2009

Wasps pair ruled out of England rugby squad

8:50 am on 10 October 2009

The Wasps pair Danny Cipriani and Tom Rees have both been ruled out of England's upcoming rugby test series through injury.

Flanker Rees faces at least four months on the sidelines after undergoing a second shoulder operation this year, while fly-half Cipriani could be out for six weeks with a small hairline fracture to his right fibula that has left him on crutches.

Rees is currently part of the elite England squad, while Cipriani is in the England Saxons group.

Wasps rugby director Tony Hanks says the decision was not taken lightly by Tom or the club but

the disappointment of the delay in a return to fitness is secondary to Tom's health, comfort and long-term career.

Wasps, who are among the favourites in the competition, can count on fit-again back Lachlan Mitchell, for their European Challenge match against French side Racing Metro at Adams Park this weekend.