Bristol’s England scrum-half Harry Randall has been ruled out of contention for the autumn Tests after undergoing surgery on a torn hamstring.
Bristol rugby director Pat Lam said that Randall will be sidelined for between three and four months.
He was hurt during Bristol’s Gallagher Premiership game against Exeter, when the Chiefs racked up 50 points at Ashton Gate.
Randall has won six caps, but he missed out on selection for England’s summer tour of Australia, when Eddie Jones’ team claimed a 2-1 Test series victory over the Wallabies.
The 24-year-old was also not included among a 36-man England squad that took part in a recent training camp, with Ben Youngs, Jack van Poortvliet and Alex Mitchell chosen as scrum-halves.
England kick off their autumn schedule against Argentina on November 6, followed by Twickenham appointments with Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.
Lam said: “Harry had surgery on a hamstring tear yesterday and will be out for between three and four months.
“He did it tackling Jack Nowell and got in an awkward position. It is a loss for us, but time for Andy (Uren) and Tom (Whiteley) to step up.
“We are not looking elsewhere at the moment. We lost Harry one week last year, then Andy the next and then Tom and then two others. I hope it is not the same.
“It is frustrating for us, but all the more so for Harry. Some of the hamstring came off the bone, and he had surgery to repair it.
“I feel for him, but I have always said injuries are an opportunity to improve, and he will come back fighting fit.”
