LUKE COWAN-DICKIE’S hopes of playing any part in England’s Guinness Six Nations have been dashed after Exeter boss Rob Baxter confirmed he will not return to action until the end of the season.

Cowan-Dickie suffered an ankle injury against Northampton on 7 January and, having been ruled out for an unspecified period of time, Baxter gave a timeline for his recovery that prevents him from taking part in the championship.

The news is a blow to England, whose resources at hooker have been further depleted by Jamie George’s concussion and a knee problem incurred by George McGuigan.

Unless George recovers in time for the opener against Scotland on 4 February, it means the uncapped Jack Walker will start in the number two jersey, with three-cap international Tom Dunn providing bench cover.

“The length of Luke’s injury means he should be back before the end of the season. The challenge will be whether it’s one or two weeks before the end of the season,” Baxter said.

“It’s not going to be a big chunk of the season that he gets back available for.”

England’s injury issues are not limited to one position: Elliot Daly has withdrawn from the squad with a hamstring injury while forward Courtney Lawes is a doubt for the Scotland game with a calf problem. 

Baxter had better news for Scotland, revealing that full-back Stuart Hogg has returned to full training following his battle with a heel injury and has been training with his national side this week.

Hogg is in line to male his comeback after five weeks out when Exeter clash with Gloucester on Saturday.