Hill ruled out for nine months

Richard Hill: faces a long lay-off

England's worst fears were confirmed today when Richard Hill was told he will be out of action for up to nine months with a cruciate ligament injury.

Already a blow to new England captain Jonny Wilkinson, the diagnosis leaves the Saracens flanker struggling to make the Lions tour to New Zealand next June.

Hill, who has won 71 caps, will definitely miss England's three Autumn internationals and the entire Six Nations championship, leaving England desperately short of back row experience.

It is the latest example of the World Cup curse to hit the England squad and acting head coach Andy Robinson. Wilkinson has lost his right hand man and close friend, making his job even tougher.

Lawrence Dallaglio, who resigned as England captain last month, had to come back from his own cruciate operation to keep his international career alive in 2001 and expects Hill to still be a contender for that Lions tour.

Dallaglio said: "I am desperately sad for Hilly and I know how horrendous the rehabilitation process is after this kind of operation.

"But he is fit, strong and only 31 and has enough time to get himself ready for the Lions tour. Sure, he will be short of Test rugby but there is no reason he can't make the Lions squad.

"He is a big loss to England both in terms of his playing ability and the experience he brings to the team."

The future career plans of Jonny O'Connor, the outstanding Wasps open side flanker, are suddenly of greater importance to England.

Although the youngster, whose home is in Galway, has been involved with Ireland A, English officials believe they could mount a successful challenge to the International Rugby Board to make him one of "theirs" on residential grounds in 18 months.

The Irish selectors are not amused as they want to cap O'Connor next month against South Africa.

O'Connor's situation is complicated by the fact that Wasps boss Warren Gatland is the former Ireland coach and does not speak to Eddie O'Sullivan, his successor.

An Ireland RFU spokesman made it clear they felt the English angle was caused by a "sense of mischievousness".

O'Connor said: "I was playing well last year and I thought I might get in at some stage or get in for the tour to South Africa.

"But Eddie (O'Sullivan) is his own man. I just have to sit back and see what happens.

"In a way, I don't think I could play for anyone else but Ireland. Andy Robinson has not contacted me, although the lads are slagging me at Wasps, about signing for England.

"I'm Irish and let's not beat around the bush: there was, is, and always will be this Ireland-England thing. It might not be in my best interest to switch allegiances. What would people think at home?

"I suppose the temptation would have to be there. England are the world champions, after all. But you have to keep an open mind. If it came to the stage where you're not going to play for Ireland, maybe I'll have to think about going down that road."

O'Connor will have sympathy for Hill having been forced to battle back last season after snapping his Achilles tendon.

Gatland believes we have yet to see O'Connor operating at the level that made him such an outstanding prospect last season and favourite to make the Lions tour to New Zealand next summer.

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