Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Guy Pepper ruled out of England's November Tests

Benhard Janse van Rensburg's short England career has been put on hold. The South African-born Bristol centre will miss the November Nations Championship Tests after two concussions in his last three games, England head coach Steve Borthwick has confirmed.

The second of those concussions came on Saturday 3 October, when the 29-year-old was knocked out trying to tackle Henry Pollock during Bristol's defeat to Northampton. Since then he has seen a specialist, who advised him to spend several weeks on non-contact work before he returns to rugby.

"Benhard has seen a specialist and been advised to take a number of weeks of non-contact work before his reintroduction to rugby over the coming weeks," Borthwick said.

The setback comes early in his Test career. Janse van Rensburg made his England debut against Fiji in July and has two caps.

Pepper and Fin Smith add to the injury list

He is not the only one missing. Flanker Guy Pepper is also out of the November Tests after hurting his ankle playing for Bath at Gloucester on Friday 23 October. Pepper has started 10 of England's last 12 games, so his absence leaves a gap in the back row.

"We're just lucky that he didn't break something or it was more significant," Johann van Graan said.

There is also doubt at fly-half. Northampton's Fin Smith hurt his calf against Leicester on Saturday 24 October, and it is not yet clear whether he will be fit to face Australia. If he misses out, George Ford or Marcus Smith would be in line to start.

There is some better news. Seb Atkinson and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso are on course to play for Gloucester and Exeter respectively this weekend.

England's November schedule

England open their autumn series against Australia at Allianz Stadium on Sunday 8 November. Japan and New Zealand follow in the Nations Championship, and finals weekend is in London at the end of November.