Leicester Tigers forward Ollie Chessum will miss the rest of the Gallagher Premiership season, as well as England’s summer tour to Japan and New Zealand through injury. 

Chessum picked up a slight knock in the Tigers’ last-gasp defeat to Bristol Bears, and has now undergone surgery on a pre-existing injury. The club have confirmed he will be fit for the start of next season.

The towering forward has cemented his spot in the England side this year. Capable of playing in the second-row and at flanker, Chessum started all five Six Nations games this year, and also featured in seven of England’s eight games at the World Cup.

He has also been a mainstay in the Tigers team too, and has played 13 times for the club this season. Chessum sustained a freak ankle injury during England training in the 2022 Six Nations, and only returned to full fitness ahead of the World Cup.

Whilst Chessum’s injury is untimely for him, Ethan Roots or Chandler Cunningham-South will likely don the number six jersey this summer. The pair both featured during the Six Nations, and impressed in their showings.

It also does open up doors for a potential England recall for Ted Hill. The Bath flanker has again established himself as one of the best back-rowers in the Premiership following a torrid time with injury, and he could be a great replacement for Chessum.

Another potential replacement is Guy Pepper. The Newcastle flanker was drafted into the England A squad for their clash with Portugal, and he also spent time with the senior squad during the Six Nations. Pepper has also impressed this season in the Premiership.