Maro Itoje has been ruled out of England’s autumn internationals after having an operation on a hand injury.

Saracens’ former Harpenden St George’s pupil went under the knife on Monday to cure a fractured hand, picked up in the Champions cup win over Scarlets on Saturday.

It will mean Itoje, who turns 22 on Friday, will miss the next six weeks of action, including all four of England’s fixtures in the Old Mutual Wealth Series.

Mark McCall, Saracens’ director of rugby, said: “For any team to lose a player of the ability of Maro is a blow and he will be missed through the autumn for both Saracens and England.

“What’s now important for Maro is his recovery and we look forward to his return later this season.”

There was better news though for Itoje’s fellow St George alumni, Owen Farrell and George Ford, who were both named in Eddie Jones’ 33-man squad for the games against South Africa, Fiji, Argentina and Australia at Twickenham.

Jones said: “With a number of influential players missing through injury we have two weeks to prepare a robust and resilient team to meet the challenges set for us in the Old Mutual Wealth Series.

“We’re looking forward to being back in front of a passionate Twickenham crowd and I’m confident we can prepare well and put together a matchday 23 which is full of pride, energy and commitment to give South Africa the game of their lives.”