Balshaw goes under the knife

Iain Balshaw is to undergo surgery on his damaged right shoulder – effectively ending all hope of him playing in this season’s RBS Six Nations Championship.

Balshaw’s club Bath estimate a 12-week absence for their English international full-back, ruling him out until mid-April.

England’s opening Six Nations game is against title-holders France on February 15, and they conclude it with a March 30 appointment in Ireland.

Balshaw, who has not played Test rugby since England crushed Ireland at Twickenham last season, was hurt when Bath beat Parker Pen Challenge Cup quarter-final opponents Montauban four days ago.