England centre Manu Tuilagi looks set to be ruled out for the rest of the season, and will likely miss both his side's 6 Nations campaign and this summer's Lions tour.
One of the most formidable backline talents in Europe, the injury-plagued 25-year-old has played just once under Eddie Jones, and had been recalled to England's squad last Saturday.
On Sunday, however, the Leicester flyer was felled by a tackle as he made a powerful carry down the right for his club. He remained on the floor, conspicuously in pain.
The Tigers' subsequent statement was positive, and stated it was not a relapse of Tuilagi's ongoing groin issue. However, Chris Foy of Sportsmail is now reporting that Tuilagi's new knock is far worse than initially feared, and that the Anglo-Samoan will indeed miss all of the 6 Nations - effectively ruling him out of contention for a second successive Lions tour.
Alex Spink of the Daily Mirror has since reported that Tuilagi has suffered an ACL injury.
Manu Tuilagi ruled out for rest of season with ACL injury. Huge blow for player, club and country.
— Alex Spink (@alexspinkmirror) January 4, 2017
Tuilagi has scored 11 tries in 26 caps for England, but due to injury last started a Test back in June of 2014. As such, he has been out of the England fold for some time, and Owen Farrell will now likely continue at 12 outside fly-half George Ford.
The marquee inside back earns £450,000 per year at Leicester, but concerns remain as to whether his body can withstand the physical toil brought upon by his personal approach to the sport.
