22h09 CET
17/12/2024
Northampton Saints and England full-back George Furbank is a doubt for the start of the Six Nations after fracturing his arm in a Champions Cup win over the Bulls on Saturday.
The Saints' 30-21 victory in South Africa was marred by Furbank's injury, which forced him off after 29 minutes.
The extent of the damage was unclear, although the 28-year-old may need surgery, which would put the start of the Six Nations in doubt.
"He has fractured his arm. It can vary, so nothing concrete on how long that will take," said Northampton head coach Sam Vesty.
"We are not 100% sure what the outcome of that medical assessment will be."
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Furbank has played 14 times for England, scoring three tries, including two in the 2024 Six Nations against Scotland and Ireland.
With England's 2025 campaign set to begin away to Ireland on February 1, he is facing a race against time in order to be fit.
Furbank will also be a miss for Northampton, for whom he was named captain in September.
"It is a big loss, he is a fantastic rugby player," said Vesty.
"He is our club captain and has really grown into that leadership role over the last couple of years. He will be a loss.
"His counter-attacking ability, his ability to make other people look very good, his calmness are all real strong traits of George's and have got him a long way."