News

Tuilagi to miss Tigers openers

July 29 2009

Guinness Premiership champions Leicester have been hit by the news that Alesana Tuilagi will miss the start of the season due to a broken foot.

The powerful winger, who sustained the injury while playing for Samoa in RWC qualifying, had surgery in New Zealand to correct the problem and is predicted not to make the Tigers' openers.

Leicester begin their title defence against Sale, Harlequins, Newcastle and then Bath, which has left Richard Cockerill sympathising for his injury-ravaged finisher.

"He broke his foot playing for Samoa and he's back today. He should be fit by the end of September," said the Head Coach, speaking to the Leicester Mercury.

"He had surgery in New Zealand, but he will be okay. It's one of those things."

In some good news, however, Leicester are expecting that experienced centre Aaron Mauger will start the new season injury free.

The New Zealand international missed a large chunk of last term due to groin and back problems but Cockerill is confident over his Kiwi's progress.

"All the indications are that he will be ready for the start of the season," he said.