Saracens' Brad Barritt has been ruled out of England's Six Nations opener against Wales on February 6 due to a knee ligament strain.

The 28-year-old centre suffered a knee ligament strain on European Champions Cup duty with Saracens and it had been hoped he would recover in time to feature in Cardiff. 

However, it has today been confirmed Barritt will miss the clash at the Millennium Stadium, though it is still hoped he will play some part in the championships for the Red Rose.

Barritt joins club-mate Owen Farrell in missing England's first Six Nations clash after the fly-half was ruled out with a high grade medial ligament strain.