Rugby Union: England Winger David Strettle Will Miss South Africa Test Through Illness
Winger David Strettle will miss Saturday's Test against South Africa due to illness
England's already depleted line-up for Saturday Test against South Africa in Bolmfontein was further weakened today after winger David Strettle had to withdraw because of illness.
The Harlequins man was one of several players to be struck down this week by a Norovirus - a bug that causes severe gastric pain - is not food related but affects the stomach, causing gastric pain over a 24-48 hour period this week - but his recovery has been slower than that of the others.
Strettle may be a newcomer to the England XV - he made his first start against Ireland in March - but he has established himself as an essential member of the team and his will be a significant absence. Earlier this month he was voted Young Player of the Season by his fellow professionals in the Premiership.
Strettle will be replaced by Gloucester's Iain Balshaw.
The Harlequins man was one of several players to be struck down this week by a Norovirus - a bug that causes severe gastric pain - is not food related but affects the stomach, causing gastric pain over a 24-48 hour period this week - but his recovery has been slower than that of the others.
Strettle may be a newcomer to the England XV - he made his first start against Ireland in March - but he has established himself as an essential member of the team and his will be a significant absence. Earlier this month he was voted Young Player of the Season by his fellow professionals in the Premiership.
Strettle will be replaced by Gloucester's Iain Balshaw.
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