Six Nations 2014: England v Wales - Wales dealt late blow as Luke Charteris ruled out with neck injury ahead of Twickenham trip

Perpignan second-row will be replaced by Jake Ball who was dropped to the bench to accommodate the returning Alun Wyn Jones

Wales lock Luke Charteris has been ruled out of the Six Nations match against England due to a neck injury (Getty Images)

Wales have suffered an injury blow ahead of Sunday's RBS Six Nations Championship clash against England at Twickenham after lock Luke Charteris was ruled out with a neck problem.

The Welsh Rugby Union announced that Scarlets forward Jake Ball, who started against France last month as a late replacement for Alun Wyn Jones, will step in for Charteris, with Andrew Coombs moving onto the bench.

The late loss of Perpignan forward Charteris is a blow for Wales, given his line-out expertise, but Ball impressed greatly when he made his first international start in the 27-6 victory over France.

More to follow...

PA