Clifford out of Argentina tour with shoulder problem

Jack Clifford will miss England’s tour of Argentina at the end of the Premiership season after Harlequins confirmed he will undergo shoulder surgery.

Quins expect the 24-year-old to be absent for up to three months as he recovers from a problem that has been troubling him throughout the 2016-17 campaign.

“While it is hugely disappointing for Jack to miss the conclusion of our season, the issue needed addressing immediately,” Quins director of rugby John Kingston told the club’s official website.

“I have no doubt Jack will do all that he can to get himself back to fitness and return all the better and stronger for it.”

Since making his international debut in February 2016 the forward has made 10 appearances for Eddie Jones’ side, but only started twice.

With the British and Irish Lions expected to leave Jones without a number of his first-team regulars for the two-Test series against the Pumas, Clifford will miss out on the chance to impress.