England's injury problems grow as Manu Tuilagi misses Six Nations opener

Manu Tuilagi has been plagued by injuries since his England debut in 2011. Photo: Getty Images/Glyn Kirk

England will be without Manu Tuilagi for the start of the Six Nations after he suffered a groin injury during Sale's Gallagher Premiership win over Saracens last Friday.

Tuilagi , capped 60 times for England, limped off at the start of the second half with a grade of three tears and was told he faces six weeks of rehabilitation although he does not require surgery.

The powerful 32-year-old who regularly played in midfield for England during the World Cup, will miss at least the opening Six Nations match against Italy on February 3.

“Manu pulled a groin and we think he will be back for the Six Nations , but not for the first week,” said director of rugby Alex Sanderson.

“I spoke to him and he was like, 'I need to play and if I play well, it will be up to England.'

“He's been on the radar before and I've already said his intention to continue playing international rugby.< /p>

“Six weeks is the recommended time for treating an injury, but Manu says four.”

Tuilagi, who returned from the World Cup with a broken arm, suffered from a chronic groin problem earlier in his career and has recently been bothered by damage to both hamstrings.

Sanderson insists his center remains optimistic despite to the recent setback.

“If anyone can stay in this positive zone, it’s Manu,” he added. “I saw him this morning and said, 'Look, they [the media] are going to ask, what do you want me to say?' And he said, “Just tell them what you want to tell them.” He trusts me on that front.

I'm like, “What do you want to do?” Do you want to play international rugby? Does this affect your motivation? And he said, “I just want to play. If they [England] choose me, I'm ready to go.” So he's already looking ahead to the future in terms of him coming back and getting on the field.”

England were already without captain Owen Farrell, who will miss the 2024 tournament and take an indefinite break from international rugby to focus on Prioritizing your mental health.

Meanwhile, Sale prop Bevan Rodd will miss the entire Six Nations due to toe surgery.