Tuilagi out of June Tests

Tue, May 24, 2016, 12:42 PM
AFP
by AFP

Manu Tuilagi has pulled out of the England squad for next month's tour of Australia with a hamstring injury, the Rugby Football Union announced Tuesday.

The Leicester centre, 25, sustained the injury during the Tigers' 44-17 English Premiership semi-final defeat to Saracens on Saturday.

The RFU, the game's governing body in England, said the decision on the big-hitting back was made following a scan on Monday and a review by the England medical team.

"It's bad luck for Manu so close to the tour but it provides a great opportunity for someone else," said England head coach Eddie Jones.

"We wish Manu all the best and a quick recovery."

A replacement will be named after Sunday's pre-tour Test against Wales at Twickenham, the RFU said.

Jones promised England would "upset the apple cart" after naming their squad for the three-Test June tour of his native Australia on Sunday.

Jones became England's first overseas coach after the Wallabies dumped tournament hosts England out of last year's World Cup -- a defeat that saw the RFU sack Stuart Lancaster and bring the former Japan boss on board.

England have yet to lose under Jones, their first foreign coach, after he guided his new side to a first Grand Slam in 13 years earlier this season.

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