Sidelined.

England will be without centre Manu Tuilagi for this year’s Autumn Nations Cup and next year’s Six Nations campaign with the Sale Sharks star requiring surgery on a torn Achilles tendon.

The 29-year-old will be sidelined for around six months, after injuring his left Achilles in Sale’s Premiership clash with Northampton on Tuesday night during a tackle with Wales international Dan Biggar.

Sale’s director of rugby Steve Diamond confirmed the massive injury blow on Thursday, with the club unable to call on the powerful centre for their decisive final Premiership round this weekend as they look to secure a place in the play-offs.

Tuilagi has been a key figure for Eddie Jones in the last couple of seasons, having finally overcome a horrible few seasons filled with injury, and played a key role as they reached the final of the Rugby World Cup this year.

He signed for Sale ahead of the season restart after failing to agree on a salary cut with Leicester Tigers and becoming a free agent as a result.

Absolutely massive blow for both club and country, we wish him all the best in his long road to recovery.