Leicester confirm 'bitter' blow for England rookie Emeka Ilione

Leicester Tigers have confirmed that rookie England back-row forward Emeka Ilione is set to be sidelined until the New Year after suffering a shoulder injury.

It’s a cruel blow for the 23-year-old.

The Mansfield-born age-grade star had only just been called up to Steve Borthwick’s England camp last week as part of the wider training group ahead of the Quilter Nations Series.

Ilione, a former England U20s captain, was among those in contention to step into the national setup following Tom Willis’ decision to rule himself out of international contention by signing with Bordeaux for next season.

The verstaile 6’3, 112kg forward can play across the back-row, having featured for Tigers across all three positions in the past.

The Tigers forward sustained the injury during last weekend’s Gallagher PREM clash with Sale Sharks and has since undergone assessment and scans.

“Unfortunately Emeka has sustained a shoulder injury that will keep him out for two to three months,” Head coach Geoff Parling said.

“I’m obviously bitterly disappointed for him as he has started the season strongly, was adding a great voice and intensity during training, and had just been called in to train with England.”

Ilione had featured in all five of Leicester’s league matches this season, including a standout performance in the dramatic 36–35 win over Sale, where he crossed for a crucial second-half try.