Will Stuart: England and Bath prop ruled out for long spell with ruptured Achilles tendon

The 29-year-old tighthead came off the bench during England’s autumn wins against Australia, New Zealand and Argentina and is one of England’s 25 players on Elite Player contracts for the 2025-26 season.

In total he has 53 caps and was also called up to the British and Irish Lions squad this summer for the first time, playing in all three Test matches during the series victory in Australia.

For his club, he was a key component in Bath’s success in winning the Prem last season and has made five appearances this campaign in all competitions.

Van Graan said the injury was “gutting” for Stuart.

“Injuries are part and parcel of the game but once it’s an Achilles or an ACL [anterior cruciate ligament] or a neck – big injuries that take people away from the game for a long time – that’s never nice to see,” he said.

“Gutting really, he’s such a big part of what we do and what we’ve achieved. The positive out of that is he’s got an amazing group of staff and players and family around him and we’ll go through that journey with him every step of the way.”