England hit by double injury blow ahead of Springbok clash at Ellis Park

Sale Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson confirmed that front-row international stars Luke Cowan-Dickie and Bevan Rodd have sustained season-ending injuries, putting their participation in the Bok Test in serious doubt.

Both players were injured during Sale's 26-17 victory over Harlequins in London, a win that secured their place in the Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals. Cowan-Dickie, who scored twice in the match, is reported to have suffered a broken wrist or forearm, while Rodd dislocated his shoulder.

"I think that's probably their season over," Sanderson said.

"Luke is a tough boy and he believes he's broken his wrist or forearm. Bevan dislocated his shoulder but had it put back in on the field, but I think that's probably their season over with the summer tour for England also in jeopardy."

The injuries rule both players out of Sale's remaining fixtures and leave them racing against time to be fit for England's opening Nations Championship match in Johannesburg on 4 July.

Cowan-Dickie and Rodd were both regulars during England's recent Six Nations campaign, with Cowan-Dickie sharing hooking duties and Rodd coming off the bench, making their absence a major blow for Borthwick.

England's July schedule also includes home matches against Fiji and an away trip to Argentina.

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