Dallaglio facing six-month lay-off

Lawrence Dallaglio faces up to six months out of action after undergoing surgery on his fractured ankle.

The former England captain was injured in the opening match of the British and Irish Lions' tour of New Zealand against Bay of Plenty in Rotorua yesterday.

The 32-year-old Wasps forward is now likely to spend the next fortnight in New Zealand before returning to the UK.

Dallaglio said: "I am obviously very, very disappointed that my Lions tour should end in the first match with an injury that puts me out of the whole trip.

"But I've been around long enough to know that injuries are part of the game, and no matter how difficult it is, you have to be philosophical.

"I have had great support from the Lions medical team and also the doctors here and I now just have to prepare myself mentally for the long process of recovery.

"For me, the tour is over, but for the other players they have a great challenge ahead of them, and they know they have my full support."

It is the second consecutive Lions tour Dallaglio has been forced to quit early after problems with a knee injury in Australia four years ago.

The injury is likely to have ended his international career after he retired from England duties last summer.

Lions head coach Clive Woodward said: "I am gutted for Lawrence, I know how much this tour meant to him, and he was an important part of our plans and the whole of the Lions tour party wishes him a rapid return."

Dallaglio will stay with the Lions party in Auckland until able to fly home.