England call up Nick Easter for Billy Vunipola

England have called Nick Easter into their squad for the Rugby World Cup after Billy Vunipola was ruled out due to injury.

Vunipola strained his knee ligament playing for England against Wales at Twickenham and has been ruled out for six weeks.

Easter was part of the England Rugby World Cup training squad and played in the world Cup warm ups against France.

Easter was part of the England Rugby World Cup training squad and played in the world Cup warm ups against France.

Easter, who has 52 Test caps and was involved in both England’s 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cup campaigns, will join up with the group today.

England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said,”It’s so unfortunate for Billy but the scan shows an injury which means he can’t take any further part in the World Cup.

“He has worked really hard and committed everything to the last three months but he is a young man with a bright future ahead of him and I know he will be an integral part of this team for years to come.

“Nick was unlucky to miss out on final selection. He is a specialist No 8 and an experienced player. We know he will make a big contribution.