England centre Stuart Abbott will miss the Six Nations after breaking his right leg in Wasps' 18-15 Heineken Cup defeat by Biarritz on Saturday. The 26-year-old, who was only nine games into his return from shoulder surgery, was hurt following a collision with French flanker Serge Betsen.
A specialist has told Abbott his leg will be in plaster for 12 weeks.
It is another major blow for England, given that Mike Tindall and Will Greenwood are also nursing injuries.
England coach Andy Robinson said: "This must be very upsetting for Stuart.
"To suffer another injury, which will deny him the opportunity to be considered for England selection once more, is very bad luck.
"He is a talented player who could have played a part in England's Six Nations."
Abbott had produced a series of scintillating performances before his latest injury setback.
In a recent interview, he told BBC Sport: "It took a while getting the confidence back, but I'm getting near to where I was."
MMIX
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