Tindall to miss Springbok Tests

Mike Tindall will miss England's two-Test visit to South Africa at the end of May after breaking his leg in Gloucester's 19-12 loss at Newcastle on Friday night.

The 53-cap centre collided with the Falcons' Toby Flood, who said: "I stepped one way and I think Mike instinctively stepped the other, then I felt his shin hit my thigh really hard."

Gloucester's head coach, Dean Ryan, said: "Losing Mike is a very serious blow for us but we wish him all the best and we are right behind him."

Tindall's mishap was followed by yet another injury to Jonny Wilkinson, Newcastle's England fly-half. "He just took a whack in the ribs and he was fine down in the changing room after the match," said Flood.

Northampton could be relegated from the Premiership today if they lose without a bonus point at Wasps and Worcester win away to London Irish. Worcester's rugby director, John Brain, said: "The players know an opportunity could present itself on Sunday afternoon, but we have to be in the frame of mind to take it."

Wasps, who play Northampton in a Heineken Cup semi-final next Sunday, are chasing for a play-off place with Saracens, who face Harlequins at Vicarage Road.

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