England turn to Gibson
Launchbury forced out of the tour through injury
Last Updated: June 1, 2012 5:21pm
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London Irish back row Jamie Gibson is to join up with the England squad for the five-match tour of South Africa.
The Exiles academy graduate has enjoyed a stellar campaign, with the 21-year-old going on to play for England in the clash with the Barbarians at Twickenham.
And although he was initially omitted from the touring party, he has now been called up after Wasps forward Joe Launchbury was forced out through a knee injury.
Gibson has made 20 appearances for Irish this season, putting in a number of eye-catching displays.
Although unlikely to be in the mix for the Test team, Gibson is likely to get the chance to impress in the midweek games against the SA Barbarians.
Launchbury joins Matt Stevens in being ruled out of the tour, with prop having been replaced by Rupert Harden after suffering a shoulder injury.
