Another setback for Tuilagi

The Leicester midfielder only began his comeback from a major groin problem just three weeks ago, after being missing from action for 15 months.

He featured as a second-half substitute against Northampton in the English Premiership at Welford Road on January 9, before starting successive European Champions Cup matches with Treviso and Stade Francais.

But Leicester Director of Rugby Richard Cockerill said on Friday: "Manu has just tweaked a hamstring which will probably mean a couple of weeks out.

"He has done well since his return from a long-term injury, and we are looking after him."

There had been speculation that new England coach Eddie Jones might have been looking to recall Tuilagi for the Six Nations clash gainst Wales at Twickenham on March 12.

Tuilagi, 24, has not played for England since June 2014, but remains a powerful ball-carrier when fit.

It now looks as if Australian boss Jones will start with Owen Farrell and Jonathan Joseph in midfield for his first game as England coach, the team's Six Nations opener away to Scotland at Murrayfield on February 6.

Agence France-Presse