The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Injured forward Itoje to miss autumn Tests
European player of the year Maro Itoje will miss England’s autumn Tests after fracturing his right hand.
Itoje’s club Saracens confirmed the injury, which happened during Saturday’s European Champions Cup victory over the Scarlets.
Saracens say that second-row forward Itoje requires surgery and will be sidelined for six weeks.
It will rule him out of England’s games against South Africa, Fiji, Argentina and Australia, and is a huge blow for club and country.
It is the latest in a number of major injury setbacks for England head coach Eddie Jones.
Jones has already lost the likes of Itoje’s Saracens and England second-row partner George Kruis for the autumn, in addition to James Haskell, Anthony Watson and Jack Clifford.
In a statement released by Saracens, rugby director Mark McCall said: “For any team to lose a player of the ability of Maro is a blow, and he will be missed through the autumn for both Saracens and England.
“What’s now important for Maro is his recovery, and we look forward to his return later this season.”
Jones is due to announce his squad for the autumn games tomorrow, and England will go into those Tests on the back of a nine-match winning run since he took charge.
Itoje, 21, was replaced in the 46th minute of Saracens’ 44-26 victory over the Scarlets after his arm was trapped awkwardly while making a tackle.