England coach Sir Clive Woodward told a press conference that recent medical tests have shown that the fly-half has yet to win his battle against persistent shoulder and neck problems.

"Jonny is definitely out - he was 99 percent out, now he’s 100 percent out," said Woodward.

"Alex King, Paul Grayson, Mike Catt and Ollie Barkley are all in the mix - it’s a great opportunity for one of them to stake their claim."

The Newcastle Falcons star has not been unable to shake off neck and shoulder problems since returning from the Rugby World Cup, and has played less than a game since his return from the tournament in Australia.

The 24-year-old has admitted he does not know when he will return, but he is hopeful of taking some part in the Six Nations.

England will also travel to Rome without the service of fellow fly-half Charlie Hodgson, centres Stuart Abbott and Mike Tindall, flanker Lewis Moody and prop Julian White.

The world champions’ second game, against Scotland at Murrayfield, takes place only six days later.

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