Flood out of final

Leicester fly-half Toby Flood will be out of action for six months after rupturing his left Achilles during the Tigers’ Heineken Cup semi-final victory over Cardiff Blues on Sunday.

Flood underwent surgery last night and he will miss Leicester’s bid for a Guinness Premiership and Heineken Cup double and England’s summer Test series against Argentina.

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.”

Flood finished the RBS 6 Nations as England’s first-choice fly-half and after missing out on the Lions he was set to play a key role for Martin Johnson this summer.

The England boss said: “I’m very disappointed for Toby. He was playing well and I wish him a speedy recovery.”