WASPS and England star Joe Launchbury will miss the autumn internationals with a persistent neck injury.

The 23-year-old lock has started the last 20 Tests for England but will not play again in 2014 in an effort to resolve ongoing irritation to a nerve in his neck.

Launchbury has struggled with the niggle for nearly a month, missing games for Wasps because of it, but will now have a complete rest for between six and eight weeks.

That means he will miss Saturday's clash with the All Blacks as well as games against South Africa, Samoa and Australia.

England coach Stuart Lancaster said: "It is obviously disappointing for Joe but we are confident that he will be back in the New Year."