London Wasps rocked by Tom Varndell injury

Varndell has scored 31 tries in 57 games for Wasps

London Wasps have been hit by the news wing Tom Varndell is expected to be out of action for 12 weeks.

The 25-year-old damaged ankle ligaments in Sunday's 10-9 Premiership defeat by Gloucester and will undergo surgery.

London Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks said: "We are really disappointed for Tom, especially as this season he has been injury-free.

"His form has been very strong and we will miss him but are confident he will make a full recovery."

Varndell has played every minute of every match this season, scoring 12 tries in his 24 appearances for sixth-placed Wasps.

The injury to the four-times capped England international is untimely, with Hanks' side set to face the Premiership's top two teams, Leicester and Saracens, in the next two weeks.