Kyle Sinckler withdrawn by Harlequins

Harlequins and England prop Kyle Sinckler has been ruled out of this afternoon’s Gallagher Premiership clash against Gloucester with injury.

Sinckler, who had been linked with a move to Gloucester next season, is returning after a star turn at the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Sinckler will be replaced as a Game Changer by Simon Kerrod, who takes the 18 shirt. Matt Symons will also now play at 5, swapping with Stephan Lewies who will wear the number 4 shirt.

Sinckler has represented England at U16, U18, U19, and U20 levels before making his test debut as a replacement in England’s 37-21 win over South Africa at Twickenham on 12 Nov 2016.

After making his first nine England appearances from the bench, Sinckler made his first start against Ireland during the 2018 Six Nations.

The London born prop was picked for the British and Irish Lions squad in 2017 and won the penalty that led to Owen Farrell kicking the Lions to a 24-21 victory in the second test.

The 120kg prop however conceded the second most penalties of any player during the 2018-19 Premiership season with 29 behind Northampton’s Alex Waller. Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw spoke to him about discipline after he received a yellow card for slapping Sale’s Faf de Klerk in the chest.

He was infamously described as an ‘emotional timebomb’ by Wales coach Warren Gatland during the 2019 Six Nations. Subsequently, Sinckler conceded three penalties during England’s 21-13 defeat by Wales and was replaced in the 57th minute.

Full Harlequins squad to face Gloucester Rugby at The Stoop (KO 15:00):

1 Joe Marler (194) (VC)
2 Elia Elia (44)
3 Will Collier (159)
4 Stephan Lewies (6)
5 Matt Symons (32) (VC)
6 Tom Lawday (7)
7 Chris Robshaw (282) (Captain)
8 Alex Dombrandt (31)

9 Danny Care (264) (VC)
10 Marcus Smith (67)
11 Gabriel Ibitoye (27)
12 James Lang (55)
13 Michele Campagnaro (3)
14 Cadan Murley (22)
15 Ross Chisholm (109)

Game Changers:

16 Jack Musk (3)
17 Nick Auterac (16)
18 Simon Kerrod (10)
19 Tevita Cavubati (3)
20 Semi Kunatani (13)
21 Martin Landajo (8)
22 Francis Saili (29)
23 Travis Ismaiel (4)