Martin Corry, the England captain, is unlikely to lead his country on next month's two-test tour of Australia, according to his coach at Leicester, Pat Howard.
If the Lions No 8 does miss the trip - with Lawrence Dallaglio, Josh Lewsey, Steve Thompsonand Ben Cohen from the 2003 World Cup-winning team, plus the likes of Andy Sheridan and Matt Stevens - the Webb Ellis Trophy holders will travel south with their least experienced side since the notorious "tour from hell" at the beginning of Clive Woodward's stewardship.
On that occasion, so many senior players declined the opportunity to take on the Wallabies, the All Blacks and the Springboks at the end of an exhausting run of high-intensity rugby that Woodward advised several others not to bother.
England lost 76-0 to the Wallabies and 64-22 and 40-10 to the All Blacks.
There is no prospect of coach Andy Robinson taking a similar approach this time but England will be barely recognisable none the less.
"I'd prefer Martin not to go. I think it would be great for both Leicester and England if he didn't travel" Howard said.
"Guys who have played lots of games this year need an off-season to prepare for the World Cup.
"You don't win a World Cup in the middle of 2006."
Corry was the busiest player on last year's Lions tour and has not had a significant break since.
There would still be an experienced feel to the squad given that two thirds of England's starting line-up against Ireland in March will probably travel, but after successive Six Nations failures, Robinson must start looking for alternatives.
World Cup-winning centre Mike Catt, 34, will make the tour and has indicated his willingness to extend his international career up to next year's World Cup.
