Tuilagi blow for Tigers

Mauger expected to start the new season injury-free

Last updated: 29th July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Tuilagi blow for Tigers

Tuilagi: broken foot

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Guinness Premiership champions Leicester have been hit by the news that Alesana Tuilagi will miss the start of the season due to a broken foot.

The powerful winger, who sustained the injury while playing for Samoa in World Cup qualifying, had surgery in New Zealand and is expected to be out of action until the end of September.

Leicester begin their title defence against Sale, Harlequins, Newcastle and then Bath.

"He broke his foot playing for Samoa and he's back today. He should be fit by the end of September," Tigers head coach Richard Cockerill told the Leicester Mercury.

"He had surgery in New Zealand, but he will be okay. It's one of those things."

There was good news for Leicester, however, with experienced centre Aaron Mauger expected to start the new season injury-free.

The New Zealand international missed a large chunk of last term due to groin and back problems, but Cockerill is confident about the Kiwi's progress.

"All the indications are that he will be ready for the start of the season," he added.