Sale director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, has disclosed that Jonny Hill is set to miss the remainder of the season after sustaining an injury during last Sunday’s Investec Champions Cup defeat against La Rochelle.
The out-of-favour England lock was forced out of the game in the first half, contributing to the Sharks’ 37-24 loss and eliminating them from the round of 16.
“It was bad, I said it was bad after the game. He has ruptured his patella tendon. It’s a five-monther. We won’t see him again this season,” said Sanderson.
“He has had a scan and has got to wait two weeks for the swelling to go down before it gets operated on. I am gutted for him and gutted for us.”
In a stunning comeback, England sensation Manu Tuilagi is back in action following a groin issue.
However, his future with the Sharks seems uncertain as the Premiership club grapples with financial constraints, hinting that Tuilagi’s days in the team might be numbered.
“Manu was running today [Wednesday] pitchside, so he will only be two to three weeks off now,” Sanderson confirmed
With George Ford becoming Sale Sharks marquee player, Tuilagi may not be able to stay with the Sharks.
“We have talked about it and we are finding it difficult to fit him in the cap,” Sanderson admitted.
Get your tickets to the 2024 Six Nations matches at viagogo, the world’s leading ticket marketplace
Foreign-born players in the 2024 Six Nations breakdown by country
Get ready for a compelling list that injects an additional layer of excitement into the impending tournament.
France (3) – Down by one
Uini Atonio (New Zealand)
Paul Willemse (South Africa)
Émilien Gailleton (England)
Wales (4) – Down by one
Archie Griffin (Australia)
Will Rowlands (England)
George North (England)
Nick Tompkins (England)
England (5) – Up by one
Ethan Roots (New Zealand)
Sam Underhill (USA)
Marcus Smith (Phillipines)
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Wales)
Tom Roebuck (Scotland)