England's Women's Six Nations hopes have suffered a significant setback with the confirmation that two key forwards will miss the remainder of the tournament due to injuries requiring surgery.
Prop Hannah Botterman, who started in England's World Cup final victory last September, will undergo a second operation on an ankle injury sustained while playing for Bristol in December. Meanwhile, Saracens hooker May Campbell will have knee surgery next week, ending her participation in the championship.
"Bristol lock Delaney Burns and Saracens prop Liz Crake have been added to the squad as cover," confirmed team officials.
In further injury news, back row Alex Matthews has been ruled out of Saturday's crucial match against Scotland at Murrayfield after sustaining a shoulder injury during England's 33-12 victory over Ireland last weekend. The team selection for the Scotland clash will be announced later on Thursday.
These latest absences compound an already challenging situation for the reigning champions, who entered the tournament without several World Cup-winning players. Centre Tatyana Heard was confirmed as missing the entire competition with a foot injury before the Six Nations began, while scrum-half Natasha Hunt and lock Morwenna Talling were ruled out earlier this week after suffering leg injuries against Ireland.
The squad has also been affected by other factors, with Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan and Lark Atkin-Davies all pregnant, and experienced players Emily Scarratt and Abby Dow having retired since the World Cup triumph.
England's depth will be tested as they navigate these significant personnel challenges while maintaining their pursuit of another Six Nations title.