England prop Ellis Genge ruled out of Japan and New Zealand tour as Steve Borthwick’s injury problems continue to grow

England’s summer tour plans have been further disrupted after Bristol confirmed that Ellis Genge will miss the trip to Japan and New Zealand due to an untimely calf injury.

The 29-year-old prop was helped off at the end of the first half as his club finished their Premiership season with a win over Harlequins at The Stoop last Saturday.

Following a scan, Genge has learned that he will be out for around 10 weeks, meaning England will have to cope without another of their pack stalwarts – after Ollie Chessum was ruled out of the tour as a result of shoulder surgery.

Genge posted on social media that he is ‘gutted’ by the setback and a statement released by Bristol read: ‘Ellis Genge sustained a calf injury against Harlequins at The Stoop. 

‘Following a scan and a consultation with a specialist, the England prop has been ruled out of the tour to Japan and New Zealand this summer.’

Steve Borthwick, the England head coach, now faces a selection dilemma at loosehead, as Genge is unavailable, Joe Marler was supposed to be left at home and Mako Vunipola has retired from Test rugby. 

As first reported by Mail Sport, Quins rookie Fin Baxter will be included in the tour squad along with Bevan Rodd of Sale.

However, Borthwick must decide whether to turn to veteran Marler again, or an alternative candidate such as Bath’s Beno Obano.

Steve Borthwick’s (L)  summer tour plans have been further disrupted with Genge ruled out

England will have to cope without another of their pack stalwarts during the tour