Nowell out of summer tour

Picture: Getty Images

 

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs back Jack Nowell is one of five players that has been ruled out of England's Summer Tour to New Zealand, the Rugby Football Union have confirmed.

The 21-year-old Cornishman, who featured in all five of England's Six Nations game this season, will not make the trip as he is due to undergo knee surgery in London next week.

Nowell misses facing the All Blacks alongside Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers), Alex Corbisiero (Northampton Saints), Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers) and Christian Wade (London Wasps).

Tigers hooker Youngs will remain at home to support his wife who is requiring treatment for an illness

England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “Our thoughts are with Tom and Tiffany at this time and it is entirely right that he stays at home to support her and their daughter Maisie. Everyone in the England squad sends them our best wishes.

“Alex and Tom have worked really hard to come back before the end of the season but they will not have played enough rugby for them to be considered for such a tour. It’s the same with Christian Wade. They have all had significant injuries and their return to play has been carefully managed in conjunction with their clubs. It will be a short term loss but a long term gain for us and their clubs as we enter a huge 18 months.

“Jack needs to get his knee sorted so he will be ready for next season and the World Cup and it’s the right decision for him to have the operation next week.”

England’s medical team are liaising with Bath Rugby and Gloucester Rugby over injuries to Rob Webber (knee) and Billy Twelvetrees (ankle) respectively.