England have been dealt a colossal blow before Saturday’s crunch Six Nations match against Wales with Manu Tuilagi ruled out by a hamstring injury – just hours after he was recalled to the side by Eddie Jones. Tuilagi was in line for his first England appearance since November, as well as a first Six Nations start for two years, but Jones’s plans have now been ruined after the centre’s injury curse continued.
Joe Marchant has been summoned to join the squad but Jones will not finalise his team until hours before kick-off on Saturday with Elliot Daly another option to come into the centres. Either way, Tuilagi’s absence creates a monumental headache for Jones and little time to resolve it as England seek to keep their Six Nations title hopes alive against Wales.
