Ollie Chessum to Miss England’s Tour Matches Against Japan and New Zealand
Ollie Chessum, the versatile forward who has emerged as a key player for both Leicester Tigers and the England national team, will miss his country’s upcoming tour matches against Japan and New Zealand this summer. The news was confirmed by Leicester Tigers on Thursday, stating that Chessum had undergone successful surgery on an “ongoing injury.”
The 23-year-old, who can play at both lock and blindside flanker, has become a lynchpin for Leicester and a vital part of England head coach Steve Borthwick’s plans. Borthwick, who previously worked with Chessum at the Tigers before taking over the national team, is a big admirer of the young forward’s abilities.
“Ollie Chessum has become a key player for both Leicester Tigers and the England national team.”
However, Chessum will not be available for England’s match against Japan, now coached by former England boss Eddie Jones, on June 22, nor the two games against the All Blacks on July 6 and July 13. The Tigers confirmed that Chessum will miss the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign and is expected to return to action at the start of the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership season.
- Chessum underwent successful surgery on an “ongoing injury.”
- He has become a lynchpin for Leicester Tigers and a vital part of England’s plans.
- Chessum will miss England’s matches against Japan and New Zealand this summer.
- He is expected to return to action at the start of the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership season.
While the exact nature of Chessum’s injury has not been disclosed, it is understood that he underwent surgery to address a shoulder problem. His absence will be a disappointment for Borthwick, who will likely turn to Maro Itoje and Chessum’s Leicester teammate George Martin as his first-choice lock pairing for the New Zealand matches.
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