Harlequins full back Mike Brown is out of the final two England tests against South Africa.
The man who spearheaded the London club’s march to the English premiership title suffered a fracture and ligament damage to his right thumb in last weekend’s 22-17 defeat by the Springboks in Durban.
Bath’s Nick Abendanon is set to join up with the team on this week after attending team mate Pieter Dixon’s wedding in South Africa.
“Firstly, our best wishes go to Mike. He did really well on Saturday and is very disappointed to be out of the tour,” said England head coach Stuart Lancaster.
“But he must remember he has had a fantastic season and should be rightly proud of all that he has achieved. Nick is next in line from the Saxons and the fact that he is already here and can slot straight into training is a bonus.”
Meanwhile, Brad Barritt has undergone minor eye surgery to repair a tear to his left eyeball sustained on Saturday. He will remain in Durban to recover and is expected to join up with the tour party in Johannesburg at the end of the week.
“Brad again put his body on the line for the team and we are hopeful he will be able to take a further part in the tour. Our medics and the ophthalmologist who treated Brad were fantastic and they deserve a lot of credit for their swift and expert response to this unfortunate injury,” added Lancaster.
