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Rugby News

Murphy provides Tigers squad update

Telusa Veainu will miss Leicester Tigers’ Round 4 fixture away to London Irish on Sunday (November 10) after being stood down under concussion protocols.

Veainu suffered an injury to his nose in his return to action for Tigers in the win over Gloucester at Welford Road after missing the opening fortnight of the competition while away with Tonga at the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

He’s settling in well and began training with the squad this week, so if we feel he’s ready to go we will include him

Geordan Murphy on new arrival Jordan Taufua

Speaking on Tuesday afternoon, Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy confirmed Veainu would miss the Madejski Stadium showdown with Irish after the club opted not to risk the fullback.

“He tried to tackle a Gloucester player with face and broke his nose,” said Murphy.

“On the sidelines he was fine and didn’t show any signs of concussion, so he was reintroduced to the game and played well.

“It wasn’t until Monday that he was feeling sore and, with previous injuries to his face and jaw and concussion, we have taken the step to stand him down this week.”

Veainu’s absence will mean one change to the Leicester starting side following the first Premiership win of the new campaign and Murphy hinted there may be more after the arrival of back-rower Jordan Taufua and continued improvements of those squad members sidelined through injury.

“He [Taufua] has played a lot of rugby this season, so we will see how he goes and manage him through the week,” Murphy said.

“But, he’s settling in well and began training with the squad this week, so if we feel he’s ready to go we will include him.

“We will integrate him into the group and it’s likely he’ll travel with the squad away to London whether selected or not to play.

“We also had Tommy Reffell and Will Spencer out on the pitch today as well, which is another boost to the group.”

Murphy also provided an update on another new addition, Jaco Taute, who the Tigers head coach said was “continuing” to train and working towards a debut.

“He’s working hard and continuing to train, hopeful of getting back to full fitness and making himself available for selection,” he said.

“Jaco is disappointed not to have made an appearance for us as yet and doing all he can to get on the pitch for us.

“I’ve been really impressed with what he has added to our group since coming in, he’s been a great addition to the club.”