Deacon's season ended by injury
by Mark Doyle, 13 May 2008
Leicester Tigers second row Louis Deacon has seen his hopes of playing in the Guinness Premiership play-offs and touring with England dashed by a back injury.
The lock has been out of action since last month with the problem and it was confirmed on Tuesday that he will not return in time for the business end of the season.
"The lads did really well to come back against ‘Quins on Saturday and I'm gutted that I won't have a chance of playing in the semi-final," he lamented, alluding to last weekend’s thrilling final-day win over Harlequins, a result which set up a play-off meeting with Gloucester.
"I'm massively disappointed to miss what would have been another opportunity with England as well. Hopefully, I won't have to wait too much longer for another chance."
Meanwhile, Tigers forwards coach Richard Cockerill was full of sympathy for the player and is well aware that Deacon will prove a massive loss as they bid to claim the Guinness Premiership title.
"It's obviously disappointing not to have Louis available for selection for Sunday,” he confessed.
"He's been an important player for us again this year and it's a shame that he's not in contention for the match against Gloucester.
”It's disappointing for him personally that he won't be able to tour with England as I think he's deserved to be part of the squad."