England Rugby’s Foden to Have Ankle Surgery, Miss Autumn Tests

Fullback Ben Foden will undergo ankle surgery and is set to miss England’s autumn internationals, the Rugby Football Union said on its website.

Foden sustained “severe damage” to ligaments in his right ankle while playing for Northampton against Bath on Sept. 14 and will have the surgery in the next few days, the RFU said. The 27-year-old is expected to be sidelined for 10-12 weeks.

“It is unfortunate for Ben, who has had a good run in the side and is a valuable leader,” England coach Stuart Lancaster said. “But we have a number of back-three players who are playing well and this offers a chance for them.”

Lancaster said he was “sure” Foden, who’s made 30 appearances for England, would be available for the start of the Six Nations championship in February.

England opens its autumn Test schedule on Nov. 10 against Fiji at Twickenham Stadium, followed by games against Australia, South Africa and world champion New Zealand.

To contact the reporter on this story: Bob Bensch in London at bbensch@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Christopher Elser at celser@bloomberg.net.