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Ellis Genge ruled out of the England tour to Japan and New Zealand
By Liam Heagney
England vice-captain Ellis Genge has confirmed he won’t be touring with Steve Borthwick’s squad next month following the injury he sustained in last weekend’s final round Gallagher Premiership fixture with Bristol.
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The 29-year-old loosehead prop damaged his left calf during a 35th-minute scrum at The Stoop versus Harlequins and he was helped from the field by two medical staff.
He missed the remainder of his club’s 53-28 win and was seen leaving the stadium in London later that evening wearing a protective boot and using crutches.
Bears director of rugby Pat Lam said at the time: “He popped a calf in the scrum. I don’t know how bad it is, but for him to come off and be in a moon boot afterwards probably is a sign of it.
“I don’t know exactly how long (he will be out]. Obviously, for England, hopefully that’s not as bad as it looks.”
Unfortunately, the issue won’t heal in time for Genge to be involved in the three-Test tour that starts against Japan in Tokyo on June 22 before moving on to New Zealand for two July clashes with the All Blacks.
Genge tweeted on X: “Every cloud… obviously gutted to be ruled out of summer tour but get a chance to spend some proper quality time with the family. Thanks for the well wishes.”
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The prop had finished the recent Guinness Six Nations with a flourish, impressing in the March matches against Ireland and France.
He is the second stalwart of Borthwick’s pack to become unavailable as Ollie Chessum, Genge’s former Leicester teammate, has also been ruled out with an injury.
Every cloud… obviously gutted to be ruled out of summer tour but get a chance to spend some proper quality time with the family.
Thanks for the well wishes.
— Gengey (@EllisGenge) May 24, 2024
This is really unfortunate, but I hope Rodd and Baxter both get a chance to step up.