Statement: England star sent home following 'training ground incident'

The Leicester lock sustained a knee injury during a recent training session in Girona, with sources suggesting he could be sidelined for up to three months.

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Chessum, a central figure for England since his debut in 2022, recently secured an elite EPS contract alongside 16 other top players, highlighting his value.

But injury issues have plagued the star, and this latest blow could see him miss the entire November lineup against New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Japan. A race against time looms for his return ahead of the Six Nations early next year.

Leicester Tigers head coach Michael Cheika, reflecting on the injury after their recent victory over Saracens, said, “It’s disappointing, but guys have got to train, they’ve got to prepare for the season. It happens. If you’re going to play footy, that can happen.”

Cheika was firm in his support, calling Chessum “a warrior”: “He’ll be planning his return already, no matter when it is. I’m sure he’ll be back with a vengeance when that comes.”

For England, Chessum’s absence will be a serious test, as they navigate a star-studded schedule in the Autumn Nations Series.

From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.

Here’s a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.

Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.

Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as .

I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge

Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.

Jonny Wilkinson is a legendary figure in English rugby, with a career spanning 12 seasons at Newcastle Falcons before his move to French club Toulon in 2009. Wilkinson cemented his place in history by leading England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, becoming a national hero in the process.

In his personal life, Wilkinson has kept a lower profile. He married his long-time girlfriend, Shelley Jenkins, in a private ceremony on the French Riviera in October 2013. The couple now has a son, reportedly named James, and maintain a relatively private family life. Wilkinson's net worth stands at £22 million, making him one of rugby's wealthiest figures.

Sonny Bill Williams is a sporting icon from New Zealand, famed not only for his rugby achievements but also for his ventures into boxing. Known for his versatility, Williams has excelled in both rugby union and rugby league, playing as a centre and second-rower, respectively. Additionally, his brief yet successful stint in professional boxing saw him win nine out of 10 heavyweight bouts.

In 2013, Williams married Alana Raffie after a whirlwind four-week romance, following Islamic traditions despite admitting that they were not in love at the time. Their union has since become one of the most talked-about in sports. With a combination of earnings from rugby, boxing, and endorsements, the couple's net worth is reported to be around £20 million.