Brad Shields faces six-week on sidelines

England international Brad Shields will be out of action for six weeks following his latest injury setback.

Shields suffered a ligament damage on his foot during England's World Cup training camp in Treviso and was forced to return home early with Alex Dombrandt replacing him.

The 6ft 4in back-row has played eight Tests for England since his debut during the June series last year and last featured for the red rose team during the Six Nations tournament earlier this year.

The news on Shields was confirmed by England assistant coach John Mitchell.

"Brad's got a tear in the lower foot. It's always a little bit niggly, but it's four to six weeks for him," said Mitchell.

England will face Wales in home and away fixtures on 11th and 17th August following which they will face Ireland and Italy on 24th August and 6th September respectively.

England coach Eddie Jones is set to announce the 31-man World Cup squad on 12th August.