Ollie Lawrence out of Six Nations finale and fearing season-ending lay-off

Ollie Lawrence will miss England’s Guinness Six Nations finale against Wales and could struggle to play again this season after suffering an Achilles injury during the 47-24 victory over Italy.

The Bath centre is set to undergo scans and see a specialist during the next 48 hours after going down hurt in open play after just eight minutes at Allianz Stadium.

England head coach Steve Borthwick nodded at his post-match press conference when asked if Lawrence was out of the trip to Cardiff next Saturday.

“It’s an Achilles injury. Fingers crossed it is not quite as severe as we fear it might be,” Borthwick said.

“He will get the very, very best care, he’ll see the very, very best people to be looked after.”

England fly-half Fin Smith revealed the impact Lawrence’s injury had on the squad as one of England’s most consistent players was helped off.

Smith said: “It is difficult. Obviously, you play in a game and you want to win and all this stuff, but I think there is a sort of deeper level to it.

“And when you see one of your best mates potentially losing the chance to go on a Lions tour and what was bound to be a massive year for him, it breaks your heart.

“We are all absolutely devastated for him. I’ve got everything crossed that the scans say it is not too bad, but it is not looking brilliant. He is absolutely devastated.

“He has been a massive part of Bath and pushing them forward, and a massive part of this England team. I don’t think he has played below a seven or eight out of 10 ever, really, for either his club or his country.

“We have just got to get around him. I think as team-mates, we’ve got to be good friends to him now and look out for him because it is going to be a tough time for him.”

England kept themselves in