Billy Vunipola has been ruled out of England’s November Tests after breaking an arm while playing for Saracens in the European Champions Cup last Saturday.

The No 8 limped off on the hour mark and had to have ice applied to the arm he broke earlier in the year, while his brother, Mako, was forced off in the first half and was seen in a protective boot.

‘Billy has fractured his left arm and will have surgery on Tuesday,’ read a Saracens statement. ‘He is expected to be out of action for around 12 weeks. Mako picked up a calf strain and his progress will be monitored.’

Added to this, lock Maro Itoje and hooker Jamie George both suffered broken noses, while Owen Farrell picked up a knock during the match.

England coach Eddie Jones will also be without lock Joe Launchbury, who will miss the November internationals after undergoing knee surgery.

Jones will name his squad for the Tests on Thursday, with England kicking off against the Springboks on 3 November.

Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images