Rugby-Blood clots pose World Cup threat to England's Robson

England scrumhalf Dan Robson has developed blood clots and could miss the rest of the season, casting doubt on his World Cup selection hopes, The Times reported on Saturday. Robson, who came off the bench to score his first test try in England's 57-14 Six Nations thrashing of Italy last weekend, was ruled out of Saturday's clash with Scotland due to illness.

According to the Times newspaper, the 27-year-old Wasps player could be out of action for months with the potentially life-threatening condition. "Dan Robson suffered blood clots which arose spontaneously this week and is being evaluated and treated by specialists at the moment. At this stage it is too early to give a return-to-play date," the Times quoted an RFU spokesman as saying.

Blood clots form in veins or arteries and Robson reportedly complained of leg pain on Tuesday before being taken for immediate medical treatment. England, who are second in the table, must defeat Scotland in their final game while hoping Wales fail to beat Ireland if they are to win the Six Nations title.

A spell out for Robson, who has two England caps, could harm his prospects of being selected for the World Cup in Japan this year with coach Eddie Jones set to have a training camp at the end of June ahead of warm-up games in August. The World Cup will be held in Japan starting on Sept. 20. (Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)