Wigglesworth season ended by knee injury

The 28-year-old underwent surgery yesterday after he injured his anterior cruciate ligament during the LV=Cup clash against Exeter Chiefs last Sunday.

Wigglesworth will miss the whole of next year’s Six Nations championship where England will be hoping to defend their title.

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said: “It’s a big blow for Wiggy who has been playing so well for Saracens and has worked so hard in the past 18 months to get himself back in the England side.

“It’s a shame he will miss the Six Nations. It’s also a blow for us but we are lucky to have two very good players in Neil de Kock and Ben Spencer who have both performed so well this season and because of that, we are not looking to recruit.”

Meanwhile, former England international Josh Lewsey has said he believes Martin Johnson remains the right man to lead England. Lewsey, 34, retired from international rugby in December 2008 after 55 caps.

He was part of the winning World Cup team of 2003 which was captained by Johnson.

After England’s quarter-final exit at the hands of eventual finalists France this time around there have been calls for Johnson to be axed, but Lewsey said: “I’m away from it now so I’m not in the right position to comment on whether Johnno is the right person to lead England forward, but I know he will be hurting hugely from the performances on the field and some of the alleged behaviour off it.

“He is a good man and was a phenomenal captain and a good guy and I have no doubt that if given long enough he would ultimately have success.”

The former Wasps player also reckons Sir Clive Woodward could still have a part to play within the Rugby Football Union, as reports continue to suggest the former head coach is in-line for a return to the fold as director of rugby.

Woodward guided England to their World Cup triumph eight years ago and has since had roles with Southampton Football Club and the British Olympic Association, but could soon be tempted back to rugby – something that gets Lewsey’s backing.

“I know the RFU are doing a review now and I’m sure they will come away with the right result,” he said.

“Clive is a very professional guy and has always been very innovative in his ideas. He is exceptional and is a visionary but there is a review taking place that will come to its own conclusions.”