Manu Tuilagi to miss Calcutta Cup showdown

England will be without centre Manu Tuilagi for their Six Nations match against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday due to a groin injury.

Tuilagi limped off just 16 minutes into Sunday’s 24-17 defeat by France to sound alarm bells given his career was once threatened by a serious adductor injury and his recent setback with a similar issue.

But while head coach Eddie Jones confirmed he will miss Saturday’s Calcutta Cup clash, he is optimistic Tuilagi will return for the rest of the tournament.

“Manu had his MRI scan last night and he has a slight, low-grade adductor strain. We’re hopeful he’ll be fit for Ireland. It’s very good news, outstanding news,” Jones said.

Tuilagi’s absence robs England of their most powerful player behind the scrum and his exit from the field in Paris resulted in a lack of firepower, with Billy and Mako Vunipola already missing.

Jonathan Joseph came on as his replacement at the Stade de France and is competing with Ollie Devoto to deputise at outside centre.

Anthony Watson was a late withdrawal from the team for the Championship opener because of a calf issue but he is due to resume full training on Tuesday.