Craig Newby to miss start of Aviva Premiership season

He'll miss a chunk of the early season after having knee surgery. More here

Kiwi, I saw that - that's quite a blow for the Tigers. Thought that Newby did an exellent job of captaining them in the second half of last season

It is a blow - how much of one depends on who goes to the WC.

Ideally for tigers this still leaves them with

6. Waldrom
7. Woods
8. Crane

then 15. Murphy (Captain)

Which isn't in bad shape at all - if Woods can stay fit (which sadly seems to be a big if) and Murphy is there to captain the side then I think Newby would be battling with Waldrom (and possibly Mafi?) for the 6 shirt or as cover from the bench. Of course that is best case scenario - if Waldrom makes the England squad, Murphy the Irish and Woods picks up another injury then that would make a big mess of the team.

That's not so bad Snoopster. Take a look at Quins backrow with international call ups.

If Easter, robshaw and Fa'asavalu all play in the WC then we'll be looking at:

8. Guest
7. Skinner
6.York

Then an academy boy on the bench, and if any of them get injured then it'll be really sraping the barrel. Luckily i don't think Robshaw will go, and Tonga may be out of the comp quite quickly.

yappysnap

That does look like it is going to be a tough start for Quinns as well. Neither of us might be enjoying the first half of the domestic season.