Simon Mannering withdraws from Kiwi tour to England

Correspondent

New Zealand have received another injury blow ahead of their autumn tour of England, with influential forward Simon Mannering pulling out with injury.

Medical checks have revealed that the back rower has a gastric problem, and will need to stay at home for treatment.

The 29-year-old has played 11 out of the last 12 New Zealand Test matches. He was named in the Kiwis’ train-on squad for the England tour, but did not participate in any training sessions.

“While tests we’ve conducted haven’t revealed anything to cause alarm, Simon still isn’t right to and requires further assessment,” NZ Warriors head doctor John Mayhew revealed.

His withdrawal means Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney will soon have to name another skipper for his squad.

“We know Simon wants to be with us and this decision will be a huge blow for him, as it is for us,” said Kearney.

“But his long-term health is very important to us, especially with the Four Nations scheduled for next year and, of course, the next World Cup in New Zealand and Australia the following year.

“He’s our captain and our leader, but we’ll still have a strong leadership team to draw on and his absence this time will give us a chance to develop some other players in that role.”