Portugal Colonial - Tuilagi out of Premiership rugby semi-final as Curry returns for Sale

But fellow England international Tom Curry is set for a first appearance since last year's World Cup after being named on the Sale bench.

Tuilagi, who will join French club Bayonne when Sale's season is finished, suffered the injury during the Sharks' Premiership victory over Saracens on May 18.

The powerful 33-year-old centre has now been ruled out of Sale's trip to southwest side Bath's Recreation Ground, with Sam James replacing him in midfield alongside Rob du Preez.

Sale are aiming to reach a second consecutive Premiership final, after losing to Saracens in last season's showpiece match and Curry's return will be a welcome boost for the northwest club

The flanker last played in England's World Cup third-place play-off win against Argentina on October 27.

Curry, 25, then underwent major hip surgery to address arthritic change and tears to the labrum and cartilage.

He is now of among six forwards among Sale's replacements, with Raffi Quirke and Luke James the only backs on the bench.

"The place has been buzzing and selection has been a right headache," said Sale supremo Alex Sanderson.

"We are in good form and I would rather have form than a home semi-final.

"The last game against Bath (a 42-22 defeat in March) was probably a catalyst for the good end-of-season form.

"Post that game, the players took more on themselves."

Bath or Sale will play the winners of Friday's match between Northampton and Saracens in the Premiership final at Twickenham on June 8.

P.Cavaco--PC