Deacon to miss season's finale
Tue, 13 May 2008 23:07
Leicester Tigers second row forward Louis Deacon's season has been ended by a back injury that has already seen him miss the last four Guinness Premiership fixtures.
The 27-year-old, who was voted Tigers' Players' Player of the Year last Wednesday having made 23 appearances this season, is also unavailable for England's tour to New Zealand next month.
That means he will not feature when Tigers go head-to-head with table-topping Gloucester in the Premiership semifinal at Kingsholm on Sunday - or the Final if the Leicester side advance.
"The lads did really well to come back against Quins [last] Saturday and I'm gutted that I won't have a chance of playing in the semifinal," said Deacon.
"I'm massively disappointed to miss what would have been another opportunity with England as well. Hopefully, I won't have to wait too much longer for another chance."
Tigers forwards coach Richard Cockerill said: "It's obviously disappointing not to have Louis available for selection for Sunday.
"He's been an important player for us again this year and it's a shame that he's not in contention for the match against Gloucester. It's disappointing for him personally that he won't be able to tour with England as I think he's deserved to be part of the squad."
With thanks to guinnesspremiership.com
