Leicester will be without their first-choice outhalf Toby Flood when they take on Leinster in the Heineken Cup final after it was confirmed the England international ruptured his Achilles against Cardiff last weekend. It means Flood will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

With Flood out of action, Leicester are likely to restore Sam Vesty to the outhalf role for this weekend’s English Premiership semi-final and the Heineken Cup decided on May 23rd.

Vesty has shone for the Tigers this season to the point where his name was discussed by the Lions coaches to travel as a possible third outhalf option.

Leicester head coach Richard Cockerill said: “It is very disappointing news for Toby at the end of his first season with the club. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back into the squad.”