Eddie Jones resigned to losing England skipper Courtney Lawes for entire autumn due to concussion

England coach Eddie Jones is resigned to losing Courtney Lawes for the entire autumn campaign because a head injury.

Jones revealed his concern for his skipper, who has not played since September due to concussion.

Lawes has still not passed his return-to-play protocols at Northampton and Jones suggested he will not return to international duty until the Six Nations.

Asked if he has kept in touch with the 33-year-old, Jones said: ‘Initially I did, but given that he needs some rest now rather than feeling like he has to rush to come back, we are allowing it to take its natural course. 

‘We are in communication with his medical staff but we are letting him rest and come back. We’re hopeful that he will be back for the Six Nations and ready to go.

‘I’m worried about his health, at this time; that he gets back to 100 per cent health. But these things have a natural course – some heal quicker than others. 

‘If it takes a little bit of time, the most important thing is his health and he’ll get back to playing rugby when he’s ready.’ 

Lawes cannot return to action until he is symptom-free. 

Northampton coach Ian Vass added: ‘He’s still going through his protocols. He’s been in and around the club training and running. He seems happy in himself and he’s probably as impatient as anyone else to see himself on the field.’ 

Owen Farrell has taken over the England captaincy in Lawes’s absence. 

Jones is keen to test out new backline combinations this autumn but his plans have been hit by campaign-ending injuries to Raffi Quirke and Henry Arundell.

‘We don’t think Raffi’s going to be available for November and it’s the same with Henry. Both of those guys are back rehabilitating with their clubs.’