England's Hughes and Lawes out of Ireland finale

LONDON: England have suffered a double setback after both Nathan Hughes and Courtney Lawes were ruled out of their concluding Six Nations match against Ireland at Twickenham.

The back-row forwards suffered knee injuries during England's 22-16 defeat by France in Paris on Saturday, a result that ended English hopes of a third successive Six Nations title under Australian coach Eddie Jones.

Both Hughes and Lawes were omitted from a 32-man training squad announced Sunday ahead of England's tournament finale at home to Ireland on March 17.

Hughes limped off in the 24th minute at the Stade de France after taking a heavy blow to his left knee, but Lawes did manage to finish the match.

Both players are due to undergo scans on Monday.

Ireland were crowned champions on Saturday, their bonus-point win at home to Scotland combined with England's loss giving them an unassailable lead at the top of the table.

The Irish will now look to complete just their third Five/Six Nations Grand Slam by beating England, having denied Jones's men a Championship clean sweep in Dublin last season.