Morgan answers England SOS

Olly Morgan has been drafted into the England team to replace Ian Balshaw at full-back for the Six Nations Championship opener against Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday.

The uncapped Morgan, 21, will replace his Gloucester colleague, with Balshaw failing to recover from a groin injury suffered during training at Bath University on Wednesday.

Morgan was called into the senior squad initially as a precautionary measure from England Saxons duty in Exeter, where he was preparing for a match against Italy A taking place on Friday.

The loss of Balshaw, whose England career has repeatedly stalled through injuries, is a blow to new England head coach Brian Ashton, Morgan’s Guinness Premiership form suggests he will relish the challenge.

With Balshaw out, Ashton could have switched either Josh Lewsey or Jason Robinson from wing duties, so Morgan’s promotion can be viewed as a resounding vote of confidence by the boss.

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