King sidelined for two months

Alex King is facing a two-month lay-off after having an operation on the injury which ended his World Cup hopes.

The London Wasps outside-half suffered cartilage damage in England's win over Wales, ruling him out of rugby's biggest competition.

He said: "The timing of the injury was atrocious and I think it will only really sink in when the World Cup starts next month.

"I am going to be out for a couple of months following the operation and I am determined to wait until the injury has completely healed before playing again. Having missed out on the Cup, I want to play as much for London Wasps as possible in our defence of the Zurich Premiership title."

King is waiting for the knee to "settle down completely" and is restricting himself to upper body weights work.

Having been part of the England squad, King was very fit when he was injured which should make the rehabilitation work easier.

Wasps lost their opening Premiership match at Harlequins on Saturday but did get a bonus point for being within seven points of their arch rivals. They are home to Leeds on Sunday when the visitors will be without captain Mike Shelley, who has broken his thumb and Clive Stuart-Smith, who has injured his knee.

King added: "We should have won at Quins but all credit to them for coming back to take it. Leeds is going to be a massive game and we will be up for it at home."