Rugby: England captain set to miss NZ tour

England captain Steve Borthwick. Photo / Getty Images

LONDON - England captain Steve Borthwick looks certain to miss the five-match rugby tour of Australia and New Zealand in June because of the knee injury which has sidelined him since the Six Nations.

Borthwick had hoped to help Saracens in its run to the Premiership semifinals, but the club doesn't expect the 30-year-old lock to recover in time for any matches this month.

Borthwick hasn't played since he hurt his knee in the draw with Scotland on March 13. The injury apparently requires rest and not surgery.

The final decision about Borthwick and the captaincy is expected to be made by England manager Martin Johnson when he names his tour squad on Tuesday.

- AP