Harlequins and England suffer Robshaw injury blow

Harlequins have revealed that England backrow Chris Robshaw has had surgery on a knee injury sustained in the 25-20 defeat to Saracens in the Gallagher Premiership ten days ago.

It represents a major blow for Eddie Jones, who is already without Billy Vunipola for 12 weeks, with Joe Launchbury also sidelined for 10-12 weeks. Nathan Hughes will also learn his fate on Wednesday, with the Wasps number 8 likely to get a lengthy suspension.

Harlequins say that Robshaw will be out for up to eight weeks, which will rule him out of England Autumn series against South Africa, New Zealand, Japan and Australia.

Harlequins Head of Rugby Paul Gustard said: “We are hugely disappointed to lose Chris for a short period of time while he recovers from this injury. Not least because he has been one of our standout performers across our first seven games this season and also because this period in the calendar provides the opportunity to represent England in the Autumn Internationals and I am sure he would have featured strongly in Eddie Jones’ plans for those matches.

“Knowing Chris’ character and resilience I am confident he will make the most of this opportunity and come back even better and stronger. He will still play an active role in leading our team despite not being able to take the field.”

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