THERE are fears Worcester Warriors ace Will Butler could be ruled out of the World Rugby Under 20 Championship through injury.

Butler marked his first Aviva Premiership start with two tries in the opening 11 minutes at Northampton Saints on Saturday.

But the 20-year-old’s joy turned to despair on the half-hour mark when he suffered a blow to his arm and had to be replaced as Warriors went on to lose 32-24 at Franklin’s Gardens.

Butler is now expected to miss England under 20s’ clash against South Africa at Sixways on Friday (7.30pm).

And Solomons hopes the injury will not stop him from playing in the world championship which kicks off in France later this month.

“I am really sorry for him,” said Solomons after the defeat at Northampton.

“I hope the injury is not too bad and doesn’t keep him out of the world championship.”

Asked whether he knew the extent of the damage, Solomons replied: “I don’t know as I have not spoken to the medics yet.

“It looked like he had his arm in a sling so I don’t whether or not it is an AC joint or something to do with his shoulder.

“It could be a number of things but I am just hoping it is not too serious.”

After making his senior debut last season Butler has featured four times this term and captained the team in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

He also skippered England against Scotland in the Six Nations Under 20 Championship in February.

“I would very much like Will to go (to France with England),” Solomons said.

“It was a big day for him on Saturday as it was his first start in the Premiership and he acquitted himself really well.

“Will and Ollie Lawrence are two good, young centres and they will be invaluable for us next season.

“Hopefully we won’t be in a situation again where we have got three of our four top centres out.”

Ted Hill, James Scott, Beck Cutting, Joe Morris and Lawrence will all be hoping to be involved with England under 20s after featuring in the Six Nations.