Tigers have been hard hit by injury problems in the opening two months of the campaign but few can be as heartachingly upsetting to the fans as Anth’s.
What seemed like an innocuous knock on the leg led to bleeding in the muscle and surgery, followed by a decent spell of time on the sidelines.
The timing could not have been worse and we all wish Anth a speedy recovery.
Among the most consistent players in the Aviva Premiership, Anth played his way back into the international frame and was included in the Saxons squad for this season. It is the very least the majority of Tigers fans believe he deserves.
Then just when a door appeared to be opening as England centres fell victim to injury in the opening months of the season, the curse hit the Tigers No12 too.
Capped twice as a youngster, Allen didn’t receive too many headlines when he left Gloucester and signed for Tigers in 2009, but The Tig can count his poor games on the fingers of one paw since.
With quick feet and good hands, Anth has been at the centre, literally, of so much that Tigers have done well in the four full seasons he has been at the club.
In defence his contribution is stunning. Anything that comes his way is chopped at the ankles and, for a seemingly quiet lad, he’s a good organiser of team-mates around him in the heat of battle too.
Promoted to vice-captain this season it seemed the only remaining step was for him to reclaim a chance in the white shirt with England.
It’ll have to wait for now, but Anth has shown already that he’s more up for the challenge. Get well soon.
