England fly-half Dave Walder has broken his leg, dealing a blow to London Wasps' bid for the Guinness Premiership play-offs.

He will be out for three months as a result of the injury suffered in Saturday's 49-12 win over Worcester, robbing Wasps of an in-form No10 who was pushing fellow international Danny Cipriani hard for the starting position.

Ian McGeechan, the club's director of rugby, admitted: "Dave was a genuine alternative to Danny and had really come into his own having worked extremely hard on his defence. He was playing the best rugby of his career which makes his loss even tougher to take." The injury to Walder comes as Wasps face three games in a week with Sale tomorrow and Saracens on Sunday.

"Dave's injury apart, we are in good shape but these next two games are very tough and we will only have a clear idea of where we are in terms of the play-off race after next weekend," said McGeechan.

Harlequins moved into second place with a 32-6 win at Leeds and if they maintain that position they will earn a home match in the play-offs. Dean

Richards, their director of rugby, said: "If we stay there then so be it, but it is individual performances that we are focusing on.

"The most pleasing thing is that I've got an exciting young side who love playing."

London Irish won 13-8 at Newcastle, who lost Jonny Wilkinson to another neck injury - although they played down fears it was serious - while Saracens were poor, going down 39-13 at Gloucester.