ENGLAND will be without George Martin for their last two Six Nations matches after the lock was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament with knee and shoulder problems.

Martin started the first two matches against Ireland and France but dropped out of the squad for last weekend’s nailbiting Calcutta Cup victory over Scotland due to fitness concerns.

He has now been told he will not be fit to face Italy on March 9 or Wales the week after. As it stands his issues are not thought to be too serious, with surgery not currently being considered and no serious concerns over his touring availability later this year.