Powerful centre Manu Tuilagi has torn his right hamstring in the Aviva Premiership rugby semi-finals and looks set to miss England’s tour of Australia next month.
Tuilagi, in action for Leicester, limped off 20 minutes into the match won 44-17 by Saracens after trying to ankle-tap winger Chris Wyles.
The British Press Association reported the centre suffered a grade two tear, which required a six-week recovery.
The England squad for the three-Test tour is to be named on Sunday.
“Manu has pulled his hamstring,” Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill said.
“I don’t know how bad it is, but it’s not great.
“We don’t know if he’s out of the tour, we’ll see how he gets on in the next 48 hours. It’s not ideal because he came off pretty quickly. It doesn’t look brilliant.
Tuilagi has been unlucky with injuries over the last two years.
He returned from a groin issue in January, only to suffer more setbacks because of knee and hamstring complaints.
In more potentially bad news for England, utility back Owen Farrell hurt a rib after two heavy tackles in quick succession also forced him to exit prematurely.
“Ribs can go one way or another. Hopefully it goes the right way,” Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said.
CUW
Guest
considering Goosen and a half fit carter nullified him in that euro semi , england are better off going with a fit and inform center pair against the auzzy. imo , he shud take a long rest and get the body healed properly , like pocock did . tui is still young - only 25. can easily play another 6-8 if the body can recover and stronger. else u may see him retire by 28 ....
taylorman
Roar Guru
Pity, between he and Halfpenny, that's the best show ponies out of the north not touring. Would have liked to have seen the Oz midfield go against Tuilagi.
CUW
Guest
wont make much of a defference. he was rubbish since coming back from injury. probably not healed properly - not the same impact and getting hurt again. was playing more on reputation than real form or ability. they shud plan for life without him. if he comes back fitter and better it would be a plus. auzzy lived without pocock for 2 years , surely england can find another center :)