Mako Vunipola to miss England's warm-up game against Italy

England international Mako Vunipola will miss the upcoming World Cup warm-up game against Italy in Newcastle on 5th October following a hamstring injury.

The 28-year-old suffered a small tissue tear during the recently concluded 57-15 win over Ireland at Twickenham Stadium where he played for 17 minutes. It was also his comeback game from an already existing hamstring problem.

Nevertheless, according to a statement released by the Rugby Football Union, it is revealed that Vunipola will be sidelined for 10 days which will keep him in contention for the World Cup campaign that kicks-off on 22nd October in Sapporo against Tonga.

England coach Eddie Jones has called up Exeter's Ben Moon as a cover for the game against Italy with Charlie Ewels, Matt Kvesic, and Joe Marchant also linked up with the squad despite not being part of the original World Cup squad.

Meanwhile, Exeter Chiefs' Jack Nowell will continue to remain on the sidelines following an ankle injury that he sustained during the Premiership final against Saracens in May.

England are grouped along with Tonga, United States of America, Argentina and France in the Rugby World Cup.