There was a suggestion from somebody on here (I think) that Mikaele had some kind of hand injury but nothing further has been said about that. Would make sense not play him if he has a hand injury but who could possibly still play in an emergency.

The Guardian is saying that Big Tom is being left out so some new combinations can be tried out with different players. Wrench out for the season with a knee injury ,Nicholson ,knee injury but could return before end of season ,Ratchford available next Thursday for Cas game.

I posted that after seeing someone saying they’d asked for his shirt after the Toulouse game but he said he’d broken his hand and it was too painful to take the shirt off. Probably just didn’t fancy giving his shirt away!

Mikaele and Dufty were both out for the season due to injury, and then Mikeale plays the next two games, without contributing much. He shouldn't have played, using the gift of hindsight, perhaps, but he was way off the pace in them games. Dufty, however, missed one game, then was influential in the other. Good for Dean getting a run out in the halves, and others to get an opportunity. The result doesn't matter in comparison to last week, so who cares if we get battered, as long we see a glimpse of first teamers of the future.

It was me, after the Toulouse game my kids rather cheekily asked for his shirt, he tried but couldn't get it off and said he thinks he's bust his hand, it was very swollen.

So he was supposed to be out for the season with an ankle injury and then he has a busted hand. It would have been much easier to say ... we will give him a rest. It would stop people making up stories about him.
Is it the club or the Guardian who has stirred it up for no reason?
Or was he axed because he can't be trusted to look after his shirt ... soft touch for lively kids.