England centre Ollie Lawrence appeared to break down as he left the field after picking up an injury against Italy. The game was just seven minutes in when the 25-year-old stayed on the ground after his side were awarded a scrum, and was in evident pain as he was treated by medical staff.
After being helped to his feet, Lawrence was played on the back of a medical cart before being driven off. He didn’t try to hide his anguish, looking close to tears as he covered his hand with his face. On ITV, commentator David Flatman said the manner of the Bath man’s fall was a concern.
“He went down like he’d been shot,” he said. “That’s heartbreaking for him. It’s very sad for Ollie Lawrence and you hope that’s it less serious then it seems. Obviously he wanted to see out this Championship but his club team Bath are going great guns as well.”
Replays showed that Lawrence went down under no contact from an opposition player, suggesting the problem was muscle related. As well as England, the incident could also impact Andy Farrell’s British Lions selection this summer, with the player considered a contender to play in the Test series in Australia.
He was duly replaced by Marcus Smith, whose introduction was met with large cheers by the Twickenham crowd. Smith came on at full-back with Elliot Daly moving into midfield at outside centre.
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.