Joe Marler and George Ford have requested their release from the England squad to play for Harlequins and Leicester Tigers respectively in the Gallagher Premiership against Bristol bears and London Irish respectively.
The experienced duo were surprise omissions from England’s 25-man training squad for next week’s Six Nations clash against Wales
Meanwhile, hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie has joined Manu Tuilagi on the sidelines after suffering an injury against Wales during their Six Nations clash last weekend.
Head coach Eddie Jones’ stuttered to a 23-19 victory at Twickenham to remain third in the title race with two rounds of the 2022 tournament to play.
However, the narrow win came at a cost as Lions hooker Cowan-Dickie suffered knee damage and joins hamstring victim Tuilagi on the sidelines.
The England boss said: “Luke is having a scan and I would think he’s highly unlikely to be available. Manu probably needs something in the vicinity of a 10-day rehab.”
ENGLAND TRAINING SQUAD:
Forwards
Alfie Barbeary
Jamie Blamire
Alex Dombrandt
Charlie Ewels
Ellis Genge
Jamie George
Will Goodrick-Clarke (London Irish)
Maro Itoje
Nick Isiekwe
Joe Launchbury
Courtney Lawes
Lewis Ludlow
Sam Simmonds
Kyle Sinckler
Will Stuart
Backs
George Furbank
Ollie Hassell-Collins
Max Malins
Joe Marchant
Jack Nowell
Harry Randall
Henry Slade
Marcus Smith
Freddie Steward
Ben Youngs
TRENDING STORIES:
- Woodward picks his England XV for Ireland and France
- Bath boss tells all about Sam Underhill’s latest setback
- Marler slams controversial Premiership decision to block promotion
- Expected England XV to play Ireland with TWO players ruled out
Expected England XV to play Ireland with TWO players ruled out
BACK-THREE:
- 15. Freddie Steward
- 14. Max Malins
- 11. Jack Nowell
CENTRES:
- 13. Joe Marchant for Elliot Daly
- 12. Henry Slade
