Six Nations Tournament: England captain Owen Farrell out of the entire competition

Blow to England.

Owen Farrell is out of the entire Six Nations Tournament.

He will therefore not face the Blues on the last day on March 19 at the Stade de France, a match which could constitute a “final”.

While he had done everything to return in time, the English international (30 years old, 93 caps) suffered a new injury in training with his club Saracens.

He had been out since the autumn tour and England's 32-15 win over Australia with an ankle injury sustained during the match.

It is again the ankle which is affected but this time, Owen Farrell will have to undergo surgery.

To make up for his absence, coach Eddie Jones decided to call George Ford (28, 77 caps).

The Leicester fly-half is having an excellent season with the Premiership leaders Tigers.

And his non-convocation in the first list communicated by the coach had aroused strong reactions across the Channel.

In addition, the absence of Farrell should redistribute the cards in the center of the attack of the XV of the Rose.

Owen Farrell's package adds to other worries for the XV de la Rose, which is beginning its preparation for the Tournament.

The second or third line Courtney Lawes (32 years old, 88 caps), a time tipped to replace Farrell as captain, was also forced to forfeit.

To make matters worse, pillar Joe Marler (31, 73 caps) tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday.

As for the presence of Jonny May, the prolific winger (67 caps, 35 tries), it is currently only in question for the first two games against Scotland (February 5) and Italy (February 13) .