Dan Cole will miss the rest of the Six Nations and have a period of rest from rugby to relieve a bulging disc in his neck.

The tighthead prop was diagnosed after experiencing weakness during a gym session at St George's Park last week and will have further specialist assessment on Tuesday evening.

'It's massively disappointing for Dan, Leicester and England but the important thing is that this has been diagnosed and that Dan gets the appropriate rest and treatment,' said England coach Stuart Lancaster. 'Our medics are working closely with Leicester's to come up with a programme that will ensure Dan returns in the best possible shape.

'In the meantime, it's great to have David Wilson back, as well as Henry Thomas who has trained well and came off the bench against Scotland and this will be an opportunity to develop experience in this area.'

England play Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

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