Jack Nowell in race to be fit for Six Nations as Rob Baxter says hamstring injury is worse than first feared

England wing Jack Nowell is expected to be sidelined for eight weeks after suffering a hamstring injury.

Nowell started England's Tests against South Africa and Japan earlier this month, and featured as a replacement in the one-point loss to world champions New Zealand.

But he was hurt during training ahead of England's autumn finale against Australia.

And he now faces a lengthy absence that will see him miss a number of European Champions Cup and Gallagher Premiership games for his club.

Nowell, who has won 29 caps, could be back in contention for the Six Nations – which England begin against Ireland in Dublin on 2 February – although he looks set for little, if any, game time ahead of the tournament starting.

"Jack's got a pretty significant hamstring tear," Exeter Chiefs rugby director Rob Baxter told the club's official website.

"It's one of those injuries which is likely to be around the eight-week mark, give or take a week, depending on how his rehab goes.

"Ironically, he should be back in time to fight for a place in the Six Nations!"

PA