Manu Tuilagi’s England exile is set to drag on until at least November, as the Leicester centre is set to miss the June tour of South Africa.
The 26-year-old went off in the early stages of the Tigers’ Aviva Premiership victory over Wasps at Welford Road last Sunday, clutching the right side of his chest.
Tuilagi had a scan on Wednesday and it was reported yesterday that it showed he had suffered a strain, rather than a tear.
Sportsmail then reported yesterday that the prospect of the Lion with 27 Test caps adding to that tally in South Africa has now vanished.
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It’s believed that instead of any attempts being made to fast-track him back into the national squad, he will be given time to go through a full, thorough pre-season training programme, with a view to making a powerful start to next season, free of any injury.
Such has been the extensive catalogue of medical problems that Tuilagi has been assailed by, this new injury – while relatively minor – will reignite concerns about his long-term future.