Simmonds set to miss tour

ENGLAND look set to be without Exeter number eight Sam Simmonds for the summer tour of Australia.

Exeter boss Rob Baxter says it is “unlikely” that Simmonds will be available after being sidelined because of a hip injury.

And Baxter has confirmed that the 27-year-old will require surgery.

England kick off a three-Test series against the Wallabies in Perth on July 2, which is followed by games in Brisbane and Sydney.

Asked about 14 times-capped Simmonds’ prospects of making the trip, Baxter said: “Sam will be unlikely to, because he is going to be having an operation.

“It is a niggly hip injury, which has been causing him pain.”