Exeter’s Henry Slade ruled out of England’s Six Nations opener against Scotland
Saracens hooker Jamie George is included in the squad ahead of the Calcutta Cup clash on February 4.
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Your support makes all the difference.Henry Slade has been ruled out of England’s Guinness Six Nations opener against Scotland at Twickenham with a hip injury.
Slade picked up the knock during Exeter’s game against Castres last weekend and has not recovered sufficiently to be considered for selection, but Jamie George is included in the squad ahead of the Calcutta Cup clash on February 4.
The Saracens hooker was initially withdrawn from the group after he was concussed in their defeat to Edinburgh last weekend. He will continue to work through his graduated return-to-play protocols.
Anthony Watson has also been recalled following injury, England Rugby confirmed in a squad update issued on Sunday evening.
England head coach Steve Borthwick said: “This is a very important week for us as we prepare for our first game against Scotland.
“We know that Scotland are an excellent side with a great coaching team led by Gregor Townsend.
“They’re a settled squad who have been together a long time and have dominated this fixture in recent seasons.
“They will be coming to Twickenham full of confidence. We know we have a lot of work to do. The team trained very hard last week and are ready to go again this week.
“We can’t wait to run out at Twickenham again in front of our incredible supporters.”
Forwards: Ollie Chessum, Dan Cole, Ben Curry, Alex Dombrandt, Tom Dunn, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Jonny Hill, Nick Isiekwe, Maro Itoje, Lewis Ludlam, David Ribbans, Bevan Rodd, Sam Simmonds, Kyle Sinckler, Mako Vunipola, Jack Walker, Jack Willis
Backs: Owen Farrell, Tommy Freeman, Ollie Hassell-Collins, Dan Kelly, Ollie Lawrence, Max Malins, Joe Marchant, Alex Mitchell, Cadan Murley, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Manu Tuilagi, Jack van Poortvliet, Anthony Watson, Ben Youngs.