England centre Tuilagi out of Springbok Test
Manu Tuilagi's long-awaited return to England duty has been put on hold once again after the centre was ruled out of Saturday's international against South Africa at Twickenham with a minor groin strain.
Tuilagi, who had been named on the bench, suffered the injury during training on Thursday and it was announced Friday that he had been withdrawn from England coach Eddie Jones' matchday 23.
Sale wing Chris Ashton will now fill the vacancy on the bench created by Tuilagi's absence.
Leicester powerhouse midfielder Tuilagi last played for England in 2016, with the 27-year-old's career for club and country interrupted by a series of groin, knee and hamstring injuries during the intervening two years.