Manu Tuilagi has been ruled out of England’s clash with South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday by a minor groin strain.

Tuilagi sustained the injury during training on Thursday and has been withdrawn from the bench for the opening Quilter International.

Chris Ashton, who was initially left out of the matchday 23 announced by Eddie Jones, fills the vacancy on the bench.

“Manu’s disappointed. He desperately wanted to play for England again,” scrum head coach Neal Hatley said.