5 amazing players who will miss the Lions tour due to injury

The worst thing that could happen to a rugby player is an injury. And if he/she gets injured right before a big tournament, it's even worse.

Here are five amazing rugby stars who are set to miss the 2021 Lions tour because of an injury:

 The Wales powerhouse back confirmed he will have knee surgery next week having ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament. It is the latest blow to Warren Gatland, who names his squad next week. North has gone on the two previous Lions tours as a winger – starring on the 2013 trip to Australia – but his versatility was expected to be key to the makeup of Gatland’s back division

The Wasps flanker was left screaming in agony back in March, clutching his left knee after Italian forward Sebastian Negri used the crocodile roll method to clear him from a ruck in the Guinness Six Nations clash. Willis underwent surgery at the Cromwell Hospital in London the next week and could be ruled out for up to a year.

The second-row was ruled out of the British and Irish Lions' tour of South Africa after scans confirmed he suffered a cruciate ligament injury during Wasps' win over Bath last weekend. Wasps director of rugby Lee Blackett said post-match that he expected his captain to be sidelined for a lengthy period and scans have confirmed his fears.

The 2013 Lion was in the form of his life in early 2021, earning a deserved recall to the Wales XV for their opening Six Nations match against Ireland. However, what was a dream quickly turned into a nightmare as the back-rower suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the 21-16 victory at the Principality Stadium.

The 29-year-old is currently recovering from surgery on his achilles tendon that will keep him on the sidelines until at least mid-May. With the squad set to be announced next week, Tuilagi is facing a race against time to prove his fitness to Warren Gatland.