Watson, who earned 56 caps for England and toured New Zealand with the Lions in 2017, has been beset by injuries of late with a back issue proving the final straw.

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Other Rugby News

31 Oct: The All Blacks want to channel as much as they can from last year's win over Ireland in Dublin

31 Oct: Wallabies forced to play by World Rugby's rules in England Test at Twickenham

31 Oct: Leicester Fainga'anuku's starting efforts for the All Blacks against the Wallabies in Perth after nearly two years out of test rugby have seen him retain a bench spot for Sunday morning's fixture against Ireland in Chicago

31 Oct: A Dunedin rugby player who shared a sex tape in a group chat of more than 30 people has been denied a discharge without conviction

30 Oct: Minimal changes are expected when the All Blacks' lineup to tackle Ireland in Chicago is named overnight

30 Oct: Scans have confirmed Australian netballer Sunday Aryang sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee in the final throes of last night's Constellation Cup decider in Christchurch

30 Oct: The All Blacks are likely to stick with a level of continuity when their side for the opening test of the end of year tour is named overnight

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