16 Sep 2009

Flutey out of England's November Tests

7:26 am on 16 September 2009

England's centre Riki Flutey has been ruled out of England's November Tests against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand after being told he needs three months to recover from a shoulder injury.

Exploratory surgery on the New Zealander's left shoulder revealed serious damage and his surgeon has advised a three-month break from playing.

Flutey, 29, suffered the injury in January but was able to play through the Six Nations and then toured with the British and Irish Lions in South Africa.

His loss is a significant blow to England boss Martin Johnson, who could also be deprived of the services of his first-choice fullback.

Delon Armitage is having a scan to assess the damage after he dislocated a shoulder playing for his club, London Irish.