England captain Moody suffers Six Nations injury scare

The Bath flanker has been ruled out for six weeks after suffering medial collateral ligament damage to his knee.

The injury, while bad news for England manager Martin Johnson, opens the door for Leeds Carnegie No 7 Hendre Fourie to step into a starting jersey for the opening game against Wales on Friday, February 4.

Johnson said: "It is always disappointing to lose a player and leader of Lewis' calibre but as I have consistently said good teams adapt to injuries and that is what we intend to do.

"While this could still mean Lewis plays a role in the RBS Six Nations it does mean that another player gets the chance to step up and make it hard for him to get the shirt back."

Johnson will name his injury replacements on Monday, January 24.

Bath coach Steve Meehan said: "Lewis took a knock to his knee at the weekend, which is slightly more serious than first thought.

"It is frustrating for us to lose him at this stage in the season, but it does mean that other players in the squad get the opportunity to come on in his place and show us what they can do.

"We will of course make sure he receives the best medical attention to get him back on the field as and when he's ready."

For more on this story read Wednesday's Yorkshire Post.