Playing too many games is a concern admits Ben Youngs

England scrum-half Ben Youngs admitted that the hectic schedule of games is taking a toll on the players.

Youngs international team-mate Vunipola was the recent victim of the demands of modern rugby that saw him ruled out for four months with a knee injury after recently returning from a troubled shoulder that saw him pull out of British and Irish Lions' recent tour of New Zealand.

There were also injury concerns to Mike Brown, Chris Robshaw, Joe Marler, Marcus Smith, Dylan Hartley and Anthony Watson and there are constant negotiations on the 11 month season proposed ahead of the global calendar that will roll out from 2020.

Youngs is hoping that the players will not be pushed for a strike action and urged for the concern to be addressed with immediate effect.

"If it comes to that, guys will stand up for what they feel is right to protect themselves. Guys have been outspoken about it but that's because they care about the length of their career," he said.

"They don't want it four years shorter. They want to be able to finish on their terms - they know their bodies. The salary cap has grown and with that more games are asked of us.

"It's up to the guys with a calculator to come up with the sums and work out what needs to happen, while the scientists and doctors try to understand the toll on the body.

"As players, the guys do have that power (to strike) but I don't think it's something any player wants to get to. It has been talked about but I am sure that sense will come.

"There is constant dialogue between the RPA (Rugby Players' Association) reps and the players they represent. I feel we are in a good place at the moment, we are able to manage it."

The 28-year-old pointed out high competitiveness and continuous evolving of players as the reason for high demands.

"I think the game is definitely hugely demanding and I think more so now. It's becoming more and more competitive therefore it is becoming more robust," Youngs said.

"Because every week is so big and so competitive there are no easy games so therefore you have to be physically where you need to be and if you are not, you will come up short.

"You're always going to get certain injuries because guys just don't run straight - they move and step. You have got guys of 130kgs who are able to move like centres at times.

"You think you've got them but then they move and you get your head in the wrong place. There are better athletes and everyone is more competitive."

Meanwhile, England coach Eddie Jones has expressed his disappointment on the news of Vunipola missing out on the autumn internationals.

"We are exceptionally disappointed for him personally," Jones said.

"He has had a tough run of late. We are disappointed for him, we are disappointed for Saracens and for England.

"We wish him the speediest of recoveries and we know he will be back better than ever. In the meantime we have a a lot of good players here."