Tom Youngs will miss England's tour of New Zealand in order to support his wife, who needs treatment for an illness.
The Leicester Tigers hooker, who toured with the Lions in 2013, has been backed by manager Stuart Lancaster.
"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," the England head coach is quoted as saying by Planet Rugby.
"Everyone in the England squad sends them our best wishes."
Alex Corbisiero, Tom Croft, Jack Nowell and Christian Wade will also miss the June tour through injury.
