LONDON – If Saturday night’s loss to Wales wasn’t bad enough, England have now lost one of their big guns in Saracens’ no.8 Billy Vunipola who has been ruled out of the 2015 Rugby World Cup due to injury.
Vunipola suffered a knee injury in the final quarter of the match against Wales which proved to be a huge turning point in the game with James Haskell not having the same impact as the 22 year old.
It is a huge loss for England heading further into the tournament as coach Stuart Lancaster has relied on Vunipola’s blockbusting runs and kick returns to get England over the gain line. Looking leaner and fitter in the new season, Vunipola threatened to light up the field against Wales before being struck down by injury.
He has been replaced in the squad by Harlequins no.8 Nick Easter who will join the side immediately in preparation for next Saturday’s match against the Wallabies at Twickenham.