White doubt for Leicester

Leicester have resigned themselves to being without England prop Julian White for their Zurich Premiership kick-off.

White will not start next Sunday's clash against Sale Sharks at Edgeley Park, although he could feature as a replacement in the second half.

Under an agreement thrashed out between the Premiership clubs and Rugby Football Union, England's elite players are required to have an 11-week break during the summer.

Those players who were involved in the 51-15 defeat against Australia at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on June 26 could be restricted to minor roles during the Premiership's opening weekend.

Leicester apart, the matter looks likely to affect other clubs - with Bath possibly missing players like Olly Barkley and Mike Tindall against Northampton, while Wasps' sizeable contingent includes Lawrence Dallaglio, Josh Lewsey and Joe Worsley.

"We've got a real problem with Julian's unavailability - he won't be starting," said Leicester coach John Wells.

White will probably be replaced in the tighthead position by Tigers' Welsh international Darren Morris.