England injury crisis deepens as two more players ruled out for rest of Women’s Six Nations

England suffered another setback as their injury crisis deepened with news that Hannah Botterman and May Campbell have been ruled out of for the remainder of the Women’s Six Nations.

Prop Botterman will undergo a second operation on an ankle injury that she sustained for club side Bristol Bears back in December, while hooker Campbell faces surgery on a knee injury next week, with England confirming in a statement that the front-row duo would continue rehabilitation with their respective clubs in conjunction with the Red Roses medical team.

The Red Roses will also be without a third forward in their already-depleted pack for this Saturday’s clash with Scotland at Murrayfield, after it was revealed that No 8 Alex Matthews has been ruled out with a shoulder injury picked up in the 33-12 victory over Ireland at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham over the weekend.

Bristol Bears lock Delaney Burns and Saracens prop Liz Crake have been called into the England squad as injury cover.

These blows come just three days after lock Morwenna Talling and scrum half Natasha ‘Mo Hunt’ were ruled out of the rest of the Six Nations after suffering leg injuries in the second half of the Ireland triumph.

“Both players will see specialists whilst in camp this week before returning to their respective clubs to begin their rehabilitation in conjunction with the Red Roses medical team,” read an RFU statement.

The loss of Talling, who was a key cog in England’s Rugby World Cup winning machine last autumn, was particularly damaging given the number of second rows already missing. Zoe Stratford, ⁠Abbie Ward and Rosie Galligan are all absent ​due ⁠to pregnancy.

Following victory over Ireland, England coach John Mitchell insisted his side would find a way to adapt despite the injuries – calling on his back row to fill the void in the engine room.

“We have lost four international locks so we will probably be a team of back rowers by the end of the competition,” said Mitchell. “There are different ways to play this game and if we have to rely ‌on back rowers, we will make it ​work.”