SINCKING FEELING AS LIONS PROP CLOCKS UP AIR MILES
KYLE SINCKLER’S post-Lions slump has continued with injury ending his Six Nations training camp before it even started.
The prop was a sensation for the Lions in New Zealand, appearing in all three Tests despite having yet to make his full England debut.
But hopes the 24-year-old would kick on came to grief when he missed the entire autumn series after getting himself banned for seven weeks for gouging.
His fortunes dipped further after a farcical weekend in which he flew to France with Harlequins on Friday, felt a slight hamstring strain on Saturday and flew home without having played on Sunday.
He then went back to the airport on Monday and flew to Portugal to join up with England, only to have his leg scanned and be sent packing yesterday.
The timing could hardly be worse for player and country with the Six Nations kicking off in Italy on Sunday week and England immersed in a prop crisis.
With Joe Marler banned and Sinckler joining Ellis Genge, Matt Mullan and Beno Obano on the injury list, boss Eddie Jones has only rookies to choose from behind starters Mako Vunipola and Dan Cole.
Owen Farrell, the reigning European player of the year, has again been nominated for the award. The Saracen is the only Englishman on a 15-man list for an award won for the last five years by Red Rose stars.