British & Irish Lions lock Geoff Parling will miss the chance to pit his wits against Australia once again after he was ruled out of England’s opening autumn international on Saturday.
The 30-year-old second row came off the bench in the Lions’ first Test in Brisbane before starting the next two in Melbourne and in Sydney, where he made a memorable tap tackle on Jess Mogg as the tourists romped to a 41-16 victory.
But England head coach Stuart Lancaster has confirmed that Parling has suffered a mild concussion in training and will be unavailable for Saturday’s clash with the Wallabies.
“Geoff Parling sustained a mild concussion during a contact session this afternoon and will undergo the recommended graduated return to play protocol," said Lancaster.
"As such, he will be unavailable for Saturday’s game but will stay in camp with a view to returning to training next week.”
Despite Parling’s absence, England still boast six of the victorious British & Irish Lions squad in their match-day 23.
In the forwards, Leicester Tigers duo Tom Youngs and Dan Cole are included, as is Saracens prop Mako Vunipola.
In the backs, Ben Youngs features along with Gloucester centre Billy Twelvetrees and Saracens fly-half Owen Farrell – Wasps winger Christian Wade is among 11 players released back to their clubs.
