Rugby: Sam Simmonds’ participation for England’s tour to Australia in doubt

With hip and groin injuries, England number eight Sam Simmonds could miss the summer tour of Australia.

This year, the 27-year-old has started three Six Nations games for England.

Simmonds might potentially miss the Premiership play-offs, with Exeter sitting in fourth place with three regular-season games remaining.

“I’m not going to say he’ll be back for England or for us at the end of the season,” Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter said.

“I don’t believe it’s as straightforward a forecast like that.”

There are several therapeutic choices, and we’ll learn a lot more this week.”

The first of three Tests between England and Australia will be held in Perth on July 2nd.

Courtney Lawes, a fellow forward, is also questionable for the tour after dislocating his thumb.

When Simmonds was on the bench, Harlequins’ number eight Alex Dombrandt began England’s Six Nations triumphs over Italy and Wales, while Tom Curry filled in during England’s fall wins against Tonga, Australia, and South Africa.

In Simmonds’ absence, Exeter was eliminated from the Champions Cup by Munster last weekend.