Tom Youngs will miss England's trip to New Zealand © PA Photos

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England will be without hooker Tom Youngs for their summer tour of New Zealand.

Youngs, who has 17 caps, will stay at home to look after his wife who requires treatment for an illness.

Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: "These things are more important than rugby, and Tom and his family have the full support of everyone at Leicester Tigers. We hope everyone respects their privacy at this time."

England head coach Stuart Lancaster echoed Cockerill's sentiments, saying: "Our thoughts are with Tom and Tiffany at this time and it is entirely right that he stays at home to support her and their daughter Maisie. Everyone in the England squad sends them our best wishes."

Alongside news of Youngs' absence, England have confirmed Alex Corbisiero (Northampton Saints), Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs) and Christian Wade (London Wasps) will not tour as they continue recovering from their respective injuries.

Lancaster added: "Alex and Tom have worked really hard to come back before the end of the season but they will not have played enough rugby for them to be considered for such a tour. It's the same with Christian Wade. They have all had significant injuries and their return to play has been carefully managed in conjunction with their clubs. It will be a short term loss but a long term gain for us and their clubs as we enter a huge 18 months.  

"Jack needs to get his knee sorted so he will be ready for next season and the World Cup and it's the right decision for him to have the operation next week."

England could suffer further blows as they monitor injuries picked up by hooker Rob Webber and centre Billy Twelvetrees at the weekend. News of Webber's injury and Youngs' absence means England will be hoping Dylan Hartley returns to full fitness in time for the tour having been absent since the end of March. Either way, they will go to New Zealand with hookers in their ranks who have limited international experience - Harlequins' Dave Ward is expected to be a front-runner to tour.