World Cup winner Hill, who has 71 caps, faces a lay-off of between six and nine months in what is a hammer blow for Englands caretaker coach Andy Robinson.

Hills club Saracens confirmed in a statement that he underwent a reconstruction of his anterior cruciate ligament, and will now start intensive rehabilitation.

Hill was injured during his club's Premiership defeat against London Irish on October 3, and he then underwent an MRI scan as the injurys full seriousness began to unravel.

Hill would have been a pivotal member of the England side for next months Tests against Canada, South Africa and Australia, and was likely to have been appointed vice-captain to new skipper Jonny Wilkinson.

Robinson must now plan ahead without the services of a truly world-class player, not only for the November games but the entire 2005 RBS 6 Nations Championship.

Richard is an outstanding player for both his club and country, and our thoughts are with him. We all wish him a speedy recovery, said Robinson.

With 31-year-old Hill now sidelined, and the worst fears over his injury confirmed, Robinson must find a back-row alternative.

The obvious answer at openside flanker is Leicesters Lewis Moody, although he has only just started his comeback in Tigers second team following 10 months out recovering from a serious foot problem.

Robinson might be tempted to go for Worcesters Pat Sanderson, who is one of the Premierships form players, although it is more than three years since he last appeared in England colours.

The entire back-row combination will give Robinson plenty of food for thought, given Hills massive setback and the post-World Cup retirements from international rugby of Lawrence Dallaglio and Neil Back.

Between them, the revered trio of World Cup heroes won more than 200 caps, and their combined absence provides a clear example of the challenge facing Robinson and his team as they look to rediscover the winning habit following five defeats from eight starts so far this year.