England could be without Billy Vunipola for the entirety of their Six Nations campaign after the eighthman suffered a suspected broken forearm while playing for Saracens.

Vunipola is at risk of missing the Six Nations tournament after he was suspected to have broken his arm in Saracens’ dramatic win against Racing 92, which put the defending champions through to the quarter-finals. He was forced off in the sixth minute of the match.

‘It looks like a suspected broken arm,’ Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said post-game. ‘I hope it’s not. I don’t think it’s been confirmed yet.’

It would be the fourth time that Vunipola has suffered the injury in just two years, having broken his right arm twice and left arm once. Despite his recent torrid run of injuries, Vunipola managed to feature in every game of England’s 2019 World Cup campaign.

If he is ruled out for a lengthy period, it would leave England coach Eddie Jones having to consider his options for a replacement. Among those contesting for a place in the squad are Saracens’ Ben Earl and Exeter Chiefs’ Sam Simmonds, while Sale Sharks’ Ben Curry is also an option to join twin brother Tom.

Jones will name the England squad for the upcoming Six Nations on Monday, 20 January. England begin their campaign against France on 2 February.

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