Shaw is Six Nations doubt

England will monitor the fitness of Simon Shaw this week after the Wasps lock suffered an ankle injury that threatens his participation in the RBS 6 Nations.

Shaw sustained the damage during Saturday's 19-3 Heineken Cup defeat by Munster, falling awkwardly while making a tackle at a line-out early in the second half and was subsequently stretchered from the pitch in considerable discomfort. He was taken to hospital where an X-ray revealed he had incurred soft tissue damage rather than a break.

A club spokesperson said: "Obviously it is good news there was no break to the ankle but he's still in discomfort and will be out for several weeks."

Wasps are reluctant to set a date for his return and the 34-year-old will almost certainly miss the start of the Six Nations.

A club statement said: "Shaw will undergo review and treatment on his injury throughout this week.

"Further updates as to the extent of his injury will be issued by Wasps later this week."

England open their Six Nations campaign against Wales on February 2 before travelling to Italy a week later and it is unlikely Shaw will feature in either match.

His involvement later in the competition hinges on the extent of the tissue damage and how well he responds to treatment.