Vunipola out for 12 weeks after knee surgery

7:06 PM GMT

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  Tom HamiltonRugby Editor

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  • Joined ESPN in 2011
  • Grew up in Bath but has New Zealand roots
  • Covered England's tour of New Zealand in 2014 and Australia in 2016
  • Was ESPN's man on the ground for the 2013 British & Irish Lions series and Rugby World Cup 2015

England's star No.8 Billy Vunipola is out for 12 weeks and therefore a doubt for the Six Nations after undergoing surgery on the knee injury he picked up in Saturday's win over Argentina.

Vunipola had the surgery on Sunday to repair his torn knee cartilage, an injury he picked up in the first half against the Pumas.

The prognosis means he is ruled out of next weekend's match against Australia and is a doubt for their Six Nations campaign which starts on February 4 against France.

"Billy's been absolutely fantastic for England over the last 11 months and we wish him a quick recovery," said England head coach Eddie Jones. "He's a very influential player in the set-up and there's no doubt he'll be missed for the game against Australia.

"But where there is an injury there's an opportunity for someone else. We've had five or six front line players missing throughout the series so I've no doubt we'll adapt and work that little bit harder this week. I'm sure the players will respond to this by going up a level and peak for this game."

As one of England's key players, Vunipola's absence will be a blow to Jones' plans and he will have to draft in a new face at No.8 for this weekend's Test against Australia.

Vunipola had started all but one game at No.8 in the Jones era and the England coach will now look to Nathan Hughes, Ben Morgan or potentially Jack Clifford as options to start at the back of the pack on Saturday as they look to end the year unbeaten.

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Vunipola out for 12 weeks after knee surgery