“Ben Youngs is doing well,” O’Connor said. “He is really positive about his recovery and the injury was not as bad as we first thought. There are no long-term concerns and no surgery required.

“He will be back in training as soon as he can and we are looking at the games against Northampton or Newcastle next month for his return.

“Sam Harrison and Harry Simmons have been very good for us, and Ben White is doing well as captain of the England Under-20s, but to have Ben’s level of experience coming back in will be valuable.”

Meanwhile, Youngs has provided his own fitness update, taking to social media to say he is in “a good spot”.

“Thanks for the ongoing support,” he told fans.