Youngs faces race against time to make World Cup

BRISTOL star Ben Youngs (right) has suffered a World Cup injury scare after undergoing shoulder surgery. The Leicester scrum-half went under the knife on Thursday and has been ruled out for the remainder of the club season. Youngs suffered the injury during England’s Six Nations draw with Scotland. It is understood that his rehab period will last around 12 weeks. The 29-year-old started 11 out of England’s last 12 Tests and Eddie Jones would face a selection dilemma in his absence. Danny Care did not feature during the Six Nations and Dan Robson is also sidelined with blood clots. n

LEICESTER captain Tom Youngs was sent off in his side’s 52-20 loss at home to Gallagher Premiership table-toppers Exeter Chiefs to increase their relegation fears. Youngs saw red in the 56th minute at Welford Road following a shoulder charge to the head of Exeter lock Ollie Atkins at a ruck. Leicester, who brought in veteran Mike Ford to assist head coach Geordan Murphy earlier in the week, have two wins in 2019 and sit just five points from the Premiership drop with four games to play. Exeter remain at the summit of the table. The Chiefs ran riot, scoring seven tries with the bonus-point wrapped up before half-time. Rob Baxter’s side were good value for their victory and demonstrated their status as the Premiership team to beat with a ruthless attacking display. It took just 10 minutes to assert their lead when number eight Matt Kvesic beat two tackles on his way to a try line.