LONDON — England’s rugby squad will be without hooker Jamie George for their opening Six Nations match against Ireland next week due to a hamstring injury he sustained last weekend.

The injury occurred during a Champions Cup match where Saracens faced a defeat at home on Sunday. As a result, the English Rugby Union announced on Tuesday that George will not be fit to play on February 1 in Dublin.

This past weekend was challenging for other England players as well. Injuries have led to the absence of several key players, including Northampton lock Alex Coles, Leicester scrumhalf Jack van Poortvliet, and Harlequins No. 8 Alex Dombrandt, all of whom will miss the upcoming game against Ireland.

Additionally, Northampton’s scrumhalf Alex Mitchell experienced a knee injury during Saturday’s match but was nonetheless invited to join England’s pre-tournament training camp in Girona, Spain, which commenced on Tuesday.

The coaching staff will need to evaluate options for replacements as they prepare for the crucial encounter with Ireland.