The 28-year-old Northampton hooker, who has won 47 caps, faces an eight-week rest period from playing and training because of a disc problem.

Thompson had been widely tipped to gain an England recall in next Saturdays Six Nations opener against Scotland at Twickenham.

But he now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, not only for England, but also his club, with the possibility he could miss Saints Heineken Cup quarter-final appointment with Biarritz on April 1.

The eight-week rest period was agreed between Thompson and the Northampton and England medical teams, after which he will be reassessed.

Thompson said: I am hugely disappointed to miss out on a potential opportunity to play for England again.

I am hoping the rest will ensure that I can return for Northampton as soon as possible, as there are some massive matches and it is an important period for the club.

England head coach Brian Ashton added: This is a massive disappointment for Steve, his club and country, and I hope the rest resolves the problem.

Thompsons injury is the second major blow to affect Ashton in 48 hours, after Bristol number eight Dan Ward-Smith was dealt a Six Nations-ending injury against Northampton on Saturday.

Ward-Smith suffered a dislocated kneecap, and he underwent a scan today to gauge for possible knee tendon damage.

In a worst case scenario, Ward-Smith could be sidelined for around six months, which would jeopardise his World Cup hopes later this year.