Will Stuart, English prop, out with Achilles injury: Out of Six Nations

Will Stuart Suffers Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Blow for English Rugby

English prop Will Stuart, a key player for Bath, faces a long recovery period after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon. The injury occurred during the Champions Cup match against Munster on Saturday night. Stuart had to leave the field at the beginning of the second half, and Bath coach Johan van Graan was already anticipating the seriousness of the injury after the match.

The player will undergo surgery in the coming weeks and, as Van Graan explained, recovery from an Achilles tendon injury is a long process, especially for a player in the prop position, subjected to a heavy physical load.

Each injury is different, but for a prop, you just have to think about the amount of load that goes through the legs.

Johan van Graan

Stuart, with 53 international matches for England and three appearances in the Lions tests on the Australia tour, will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season, including the next Six Nations Tournament, where he was expected to play an important role.

Injuries are part of the game, but when it comes to an Achilles tendon or an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or a neck injury, which are significant injuries that keep people out of the game for a long time, it’s never pleasant to see.

Johan van Graan

The news is a hard blow for both England and Bath. Stuart was key to the team’s victory last season and has maintained a high level of play in the current one. In addition, he is England’s most experienced tighthead prop.