LONDON (AP) — England's preparations for the Rugby World Cup were further hit on Thursday when winger Anthony Watson was ruled out of the tournament because of a calf injury.
Watson was hurt in England's 29-10 loss in Ireland and has been replaced in the 33-man World Cup squad by Jonny May, who will start against Fiji on Saturday in the teams' final warmup game.
Watson has battled back from long-term knee and Achilles injuries and was expected to start against Argentina in England's opening World Cup match on Sept. 9.
England captain Owen Farrell and No. 8 Billy Vunipola have already been ruled out of that game — and the team's second pool game against Japan on Sept. 17 — because of suspension after committing dangerous tackles in World Cup warmup matches against Wales and Ireland, respectively.
Scrumhalf Jack van Poortvliet has also been forced to withdraw from the original squad named by coach Steve Borthwick because of an ankle injury.
Elliot Daly (knee) and Henry Arundell (back) will miss the match against Fiji at Twickenham because of injuries.
Borthwick was able to deliver a positive update on flanker Tom Curry, saying he will return to full training imminently after missing all four warmup tests because of an ankle injury.
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AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby
