Sunday 1 February 2015 21:57, UK
England have called Henry Slade and Henry Thomas into their squad ahead of the Six Nations clash with Wales on Friday.
Exeter Chiefs back Slade will provide cover for Kyle Eastmond, who is still unable to train because of a shoulder injury, while prop Thomas will link up with the senior squad because Bath team-mate David Wilson is still being treated for an impingement in his neck.
Both players were involved in the England Saxons squad that beat the Ireland Wolfhounds 18-9 in Cork on Friday and will meet up with the Six Nations party at their Pennyhill Park base on Saturday evening.
Sam Burgess, who made his Saxons debut in Ireland, will also be linking up with Stuart Lancaster's squad in Surrey, but only for a couple of days to continue his union education - he will rejoin his Bath team-mates on Monday.
Lancaster said: “We are hoping that David’s injury will settle down but we need to consider our options at tight head over the next few days and Henry's form deserves consideration.
“Kyle’s scan showed that he does not need surgery but he is not back training so we have the option to bring Henry in on the back of a good performance out in Cork.
“Sam will just come into camp for two days to further his rugby experience before returning to Bath on Monday evening to get more game time with the club over the next few weeks. He is still learning the game and this is an opportunity to help his development.”
Lancaster also updated the injury status of Northampton flanker Tom Wood, who has been bothered by an ankle problem and had already been ruled out of the Wales match at the Millennium Stadium.
He added: “Tom also does not require an operation so he is being treated in camp for his ankle injury and is making good progress. He should come into consideration over the next week or so.”
