Leicester Tigers confirm captain Ed Slater will miss England's autumn internationals after undergoing knee surgery
Slater injured his knee during England's tour of New Zealand and has been ruled out of action for 'several months'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Leicester captain Ed Slater is unlikely to play any part in England's autumn Test series after undergoing knee surgery.
The 26-year-old lock has been sidelined since captaining England's midweek side to a 38-7 victory over Super 15 outfit the Crusaders in New Zealand in June.
Leicester have ruled Slater out for "several months", with England launching their autumn schedule by hosting New Zealand at Twickenham on November 8.
Slater would have been primed to battle Joe Lanchbury, Courtney Lawes and Dave Attwood for a second-row berth in head coach Stuart Lancaster's full England side.
"It's very disappointing for us and obviously for Ed because he was in such good form last season and has become an important member of our squad," said Leicester rugby director Richard Cockerill.
"Ed's performances for Tigers have pushed his way into the England squad and I was very happy to be able to appoint him as Tigers club captain going into the new season.
"He is in good hands with our medical team, he's started his rehab from the surgery and we look forward to his return to training and playing in due course."
Slater's injury absence to Leicester will be offset by the Tigers' summer recruitment of World Cup-winning former All Black Brad Thorn.
The evergreen 39-year-old was brought in to ease the loss of Steve Mafi, who has joined Australian Super Rugby franchise Western Force.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments