White out for Leicester

England prop Julian White will miss Leicester's Guinness Premiership clash against Northampton on Saturday because of a neck injury.

But Tigers say the problem is "not significant", after White suffered neck soreness during the EDF Energy Cup victory over Worcester last weekend. White is expected to be in the England starting line-up for their autumn Test opener against New Zealand at Twickenham on November 5.

"It is not a significant injury to Julian," said Leicester head coach Pat Howard. "He suffered it during the Worcester game last week, and it is still sore - so we will go in without him this time."

Michael Holford replaces White at tighthead on Saturday, packing down alongside Marcos Ayerza and George Chuter in the front row.

Chuter and his fellow England internationals Andy Goode and Martin Corry return after missing the Worcester game. But White has joined an injury list which also includes Tom Varndell and Harry Ellis.