England call up Slade as Barritt & Croft ruled out

England head coach Stuart Lancaster has called up Exeter Chiefs fly half Henry Slade as an injury replacement for Brad Barritt ho has been ruled out of the reminder of the tournament.

The Devon-born 21 year-old Slade, who has featured impressively at inside and outside centre for his club this term.

England face Scotland at Twickenham this weekend in the Six Nations but they will be without Barrit and Leicester Tigers flanker Tom Croft who has also been ruled out for the tournament.

Croft suffered a dislocated shoulder playing for Leicester against Newcastle while Barritt suffered an ankle sprain against Wasps – both on Sunday.

Sunday’s Premiership matches have also affected the availability of players to train, Bath Rugby hooker Rob Webber comes in for Tom Youngs, who will not train fully on Tuesday. .

Bath Rugby tight-head prop Henry Thomas also suffered a shoulder strain against Sale Sharks on Friday night and will miss the final two matches against Scotland on March 14 and France on March 21.

Locks Geoff Parling and Courtney Lawes both completed their second 80-minute performances in as many weeks at the weekend and they are among a number of players pushing for inclusion after the 19-9 defeat to Ireland in Dublin last time out.

Stuart Lancaster admitted the coaching team have plenty to ponder after some impressive displays.

“The weekend’s games gave us plenty to think about in terms of looking at guys who will have benefitted from the additional game time,” said the England Head Coach.

“It’s unfortunate that Brad was injured but Henry has been playing well for Exeter and it’s good to be able to call him in. We also wish Tom and Henry all the best for their recovery.”

“The weekend’s games gave us plenty to think about”

Lancaster also outlined positive news on full back Mike Brown, who suffered concussion during the 47-17 victory over Italy, centre Luther Burrell and Kieran Brookes.

“Mike trained fully last Friday while Luther and Brookes should be fit to train tomorrow. We are looking forward to two full days of training before we announce the side on Wednesday.

“Sam Burgess will also come into camp to further his experience of this environment as Bath have no game at the weekend.”

England squad (35)

Forwards (18)
Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby)
Kieran Brookes (Newcastle Falcons)
Calum Clark (Northampton Saints)
Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
Alex Corbisiero (Northampton Saints)
Nick Easter (Harlequins)
Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)
James Haskell (Wasps)
George Kruis (Saracens)
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
Joe Marler (Harlequins)
Geoff Parling (Leicester Tigers)
Chris Robshaw (captain, Harlequins)
Mako Vunipola (Saracens)
Billy Vunipola (Saracens)
Rob Webber (Bath Rugby)
Tom Wood (Northampton Saints)
Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers)

Backs (17)
Mike Brown (Harlequins)
Sam Burgess (Bath Rugby)
Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints)
Danny Care (Harlequins)
Danny Cipriani (Sale Sharks)
Kyle Eastmond (Bath Rugby)
George Ford (Bath Rugby)
Alex Goode (Saracens)
Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby)
Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby)
Stephen Myler (Northampton Saints)
Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby)
Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby)
Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)