England tour blow as Ellis Genge ruled out of Japan and New Zealand games [Video]

Ellis Genge will miss England’s summer tour to Japan and New Zealand with a calf injury, further opening the door for Harlequins prop Fin Baxter’s first senior call-up.

Front-rower Genge hobbled out of Bristol’s 53-28 season-closing Premiership win at Harlequins on May 18 and could be sidelined for as long as 10 weeks.

Genge’s absence will prove a sizeable blow to England and boss Steve Borthwick, who leans on his former Leicester captain to set the Red Rose men’s mental tone for their physicality and aggression.

England will name their first training squad ahead of their three-Test summer tour on Sunday but now Genge is expected to be forced out.

Head coach Borthwick will name his full England touring party on June 10, once all the Premiership play-offs are complete.

Quins’ fast-developing loosehead Baxter was already pencilled in for a maiden senior England call this summer, and now the 22-year-old’s name should end …