England and Ireland have both suffered serious injury blows ahead of their Six Nations campaigns.

First-choice England winger Jonny May has been ruled out of the Six Nations after suffering a serious knee injury in the English Premiership this past weekend, which will require surgery.

It is a second backline blow for England head coach Eddie Jones, with inside centre Henry Slade still recovering from a broken leg.

Meanwhile, Ireland winger Tommy Bowe has confirmed he will miss the Six Nations as he continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained during last year’s World Cup.

Lock Iain Henderson, who tore his hamstring while on club duty against Edinburgh, is also set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

England kick off their Six Nations campaign against Scotland on 6 February, while Ireland face Wales the day after.

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