Gloucester’s Ben Morgan out for England’s 6 Nations campaign. Image: http://www.EnglandRugby.com

England will have to plan their 6 Nations campaign without influential back rower Ben Morgan, after the hard carrying Gloucester No.8 suffered a leg fracture in his side’s 24-23 win over Saracens on Friday night.

The 25-year-old, who has 27 caps, was taken off on a stretcher during the second half and has since had surgery.

It is likely that Morgan will target England’s World Cup opener against Fiji, which takes place on September 18th.

James Hook was the hero for the Cherry and Whites at Kingsholm, as the Welshman landed a long range penalty in the 80th minute to secure a thrilling 24-23 victory.

The win puts Gloucester 8 points clear of 10th place Newcastle Falcons, following the Northerners’ bonus point demolition of struggling London Welsh.

The Aviva Premiership takes a break fro the next month as European competitions swing back into gear. Gloucester will host French side Oyonnax on the 17th followed by a trip to Brive on the 22nd.