British and Irish Lions

The Leicester forward will miss the Tigers' Guinness Premiership play-off clash at Gloucester next Sunday.

And the 27-year-old has also been ruled out of contention for England's two-Test tour to New Zealand next month.

Deacon, who made his Test debut against Samoa in 2005, has won eight caps.

He said: "The lads did really well to come back against Harlequins on Saturday, and I am gutted that I won't have a chance of playing in the semi-final.

"I am 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."

Tigers forwards coach Richard Cockerill added: "It is obviously disappointing not to have Louis available for selection for Sunday.

"He has been an important player for us again this year, and it is a shame that he's not in contention for the match against Gloucester.

"It is 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."

The Brumbies pair of Ben Mowen and Christian Leali'ifano will get the chance to follow in the footsteps of their team mates by beating the British & Irish Lions when they make their Qantas Wallaby Test debuts against the tourists in Brisbane on Saturday.

Rob Howley says having George North available for selection is a major plus for the British & Irish Lions as they go in search of the tries he believes will be needed to beat the Qantas Wallabies this Saturday.

Less than four kilometres away from the Suncorp Stadium, venue for the opening Test between the British & Irish Lions and Qantas Wallabies on Saturday, lies the grave of the man who took the starring role in the first international between the two teams in 1899.