England prop Ellis Genge set to miss Six Nations

Leicester Tigers have confirmed that prop Ellis Genge will require surgery to a shoulder injury, putting his particpation in the Six Nations in serious doubt.

The England international front-rower was withdrawn just before half-time in Saturday’s visit to Wasps in the Aviva Premiership and has subsequently had a scan on the shoulder problem.

Tigers head coach Matt O’Connor said: “We’ve had the results of the scan back and Ellis is going to need some minor surgery which will mean a couple of months out of the game.

“It’s obviously very disappointing for him and for us because he has been outstanding so far this season and has been in the England squad during the autumn. But we will look forward to his return in due course.”

Tigers have recalled Italy international prop Michele Rizzo from a loan spell at Edinburgh Rugby and he has been registered in the Tigers squad for the European Champions Cup.

Although not a starter for England, he has had a standout season so far for Leicester in the Premiership, and Eddie Jones' side will lose the luxury of having the young loosehead's ball carrying ability to call upon during the tournament.

Credit: Leicester Tigers

His career unfolded with appearances for England U17, U18 and U19 and while at Hartpury he won a player of the year award. When Hartpury represented England in the Sanix World Youth Tournament in Japan, they lost to Saint Kentigern College of New Zealand in the final. Martinovic said: “Ellis became a bit of a local celebrity. Various Japanese people wanted a photograph with him after the game and he loved it.”

In his Twitter biography, Ellis previously claimed that he is “like the M5…Two hard shoulders”, whereas now he simply refers to himself as a 'bit of a freezer'.

His U20 debut was against Wales at Colwyn Bay in February 2015 and he scored a maiden try from a lineout drive in his second match against Italy at Plymouth six days later.

In May 2016, he received his first call up to the England squad after only one start for Leicester Tigers and having only been playing in the front row for three years. He had previously played at Number 8 before being moved to the frontrow while at Hartpury College.

He now has four caps to his name.