Johannesburg - A cracked thumb bone has ruled England skipper Chris Robshaw out of the third and final Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth Saturday, a team spokesperson said.
Hooker Dylan Hartley will take over the captaincy as the Red Roses try to avoid a whitewash having lost the first Test 22-17 in Durban and the second 36-27 in Johannesburg last Saturday.
Flank Robshaw suffered knocks during the first and second Tests against the Springboks at Kings Park and Coca-Cola Park and an image sent to England for specialist opinion revealed the crack.
Coach Stuart Lancaster said: "Chris is devastated as you would imagine. He has led us superbly in the last seven internationals and has been one of our stand-out performers.
"But the medical advice is that he should not play and we have to trust that expert opinion. Dylan Hartley will captain the side. He has been a key part of our leadership group and I know he will step up to the task on Saturday."
Robshaw said: "I am absolutely gutted. I have been very proud and honoured to lead this group during the Six Nations and on this tour and it is a difficult way to end the season.
"I know the lads can raise themselves for tomorrow (against the Northern Barbarians in Potchefstroom) and Saturday and I will be doing everything I can to support them."
Follow Sport24 on Twitter and Facebook
24.com publishes all comments posted on articles provided that they adhere to our Comments Policy. Should you wish to report a comment for editorial review, please do so by clicking the 'Report Comment' button to the right of each comment.
The Springboks, despite their draw against England in PE
The All Blacks, who put a strong Ireland side to the sword
The Wallabies, who beat Six Nations champions Wales 3-0
Argentina, don't sleep on the new boys!
View Results | Vote Archive
33% The Springboks, despite their draw against England in PE
65% The All Blacks, who put a strong Ireland side to the sword
1% The Wallabies, who beat Six Nations champions Wales 3-0
1% Argentina, don't sleep on the new boys!
Vote Archive
GEN De La Rey says the Stormers have had a pretty bad run when it comes to refs, assistant refs and TMO calls this season. He says such glaring ref errors have no place in the professional game.
Twitter Follow Sport24 on Twitter
Newsletters Sign up for Sport24's Morning Glory newsletter
Blogs Yes your opinion counts. Get it out there
WIN Enter and win with Sport24!
Mobile Sport24 on your mobile phone - WAP, alerts, downloads, services
BlackBerry Stay in the loop on your BlackBerry
iPhone Latest Sport24 news on your iPhone
Facebook "Like" Sport24's Facebook page
TV schedule Plan your couch time with our searchable sport TV guide
RSS Feeds Sport news delivered really simply.