Manu Tuilagi: Knee surgery rules England centre out of tour to Australia
File photo dated 13-11-2021 of England's Manu Tuilagi, who is still waiting to make his comeback from the torn hamstring he suffered while scoring the opening try in the autumn victory over South Africa. Sale say his return is imminent and he will be given a string of club games before being considered by England. Issue date: Thursday January 27, 2022.
England will head on next month’s tour to Australia without Sale Sharks centre Manu Tuilagi, who has had an operation on a knee injury.
Although Sale said it was a “routine procedure”, it is the latest setback for Tuilagi, who has sustained numerous injuries during his career.
Big blow for England
When fit, the 31-year-old centre is a first choice selection in England head coach Eddie Jones‘ starting line-up. However, his latest injury means that the Red Rose will be without his services for their three-Test series against the Wallabies.
“Sale Sharks can confirm that Manu Tuilagi has undergone a routine procedure on his knee which will rule the 31-year-old out of this summer’s England tour to Australia,” the Premiership club confirmed via a press statement.
“The club, in close consultation with England Rugby, have decided that a summer of rest and a full pre-season is the best course of action to ensure Manu is fit and available for Sale Sharks and England during a crucial year for both club and country.
“Everyone at the club wishes Manu all the best for his recovery and looks forward to seeing him at Carrington for the start of pre-season.”
Despite making his England debut way back in 2011, Tuilagi has only played in 46 Tests since then as injuries have wreaked havoc with his career.
Earlier this year, he was named to start for his country during their Six Nations clash against Wales at Twickenham but was forced to withdraw two days before that Test due to a hamstring injury.
It was a recurrence of an injury Tuilagi sustained during England’s Autumn Nations Series victory over South Africa. On that occasion he tore his hamstring and it was only his second appearance for England since March 2020.
His destructive ball carrying makes him a handful for defences and Jones has found it difficult to replace him as his hard running style gives the team valuable attacking momentum.
Tuilagi’s absence is the latest setback for England, who will also be without the services of Exeter Chiefs number eight Sam Simmonds due to a hip injury.
READ MORE: England: Exeter Chiefs trio set to be fit for tour to Australia
Eddie Jones on what is success in Australia
England boss Eddie Jones references Man City and wanting to perform under pressure.