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Rugby Union

Easter forced out of tour with hand injury

08/06/2008

England back-row forward Nick Easter has been forced to withdraw from the tour to New Zealand after fracturing his hand.

The Harlequins number eight sustained the injury during England's 17-14 win over the Barbarians at Twickenham last week.

Easter captained the side for that game and his absence will be a significant blow to stand-in manager Rob Andrew as he prepares for two matches against the All Blacks.

The 29-year-old had originally been cleared to travel with the squad to New Zealand but his injury has not healed in time and he has now left the tour early.

He said: "I'm obviously very disappointed to leave the tour.

"Like all the players in the squad, I was competing for a place to face the All Blacks - which is always a massive challenge and one I was really looking forward to.

"The chances to tour here don't come around very often, but it's essential that I get my hand sorted out."

Andrew is in charge of the side while England wait for Martin Johnson to become available to manage the side on a permanent basis.

The former Newcastle director of rugby says additional cover is not required for Easter because there are already enough players in the squad capable of filling-in for him.

Andrew said: "I won't be flying in anyone to replace Nick, because we brought out seven back-row forwards for the tour - so we have sufficient cover."

Gloucester man Luke Narraway or Wasps' James Haskell are likely to take over from Easter at the number eight position.