Uncapped duo amongst five called up by injury-hit England

England have called up uncapped duo, Northampton flanker Henry Pollock and Gloucester lock Arthur Clark, as preparations begin for their Guinness Men’s Six Nations opener against Ireland in Dublin on February 1st.

Openside Pollock, 20, has been sensational for Northampton this season, while 23-year-old Clark has become increasingly influential for Gloucester, making nine appearances in all competitions.

Pollock comes info Harlequins No.8 Alex Dombrandt and Clark replaces Northampton’s Alex Coles, who both sustained injuries for their clubs during the last round of European rugby.

England have also been hit by the loss of vice-captain Jamie George for the pivotal game against Ireland, while scrum-halves Alex Mitchell and Jack van Poortvliet also picked up knocks.

Hooker George suffered a hamstring injury in Saracens’ Investec Champions Cup defeat by Castres on Sunday and will miss the start of the tournament, the Rugby Football Union has confirmed.

Northampton scrum-half Mitchell sustained a knee problem against Munster on Saturday but could yet feature against Ireland after being taken to the squad’s pre-Championship training camp in Girona to continue his rehabilitation.

Northampton’s Curtis Langdon, capped twice in 2021, provides cover at hooker, while the addition of Bath captain Ben Spencer and Raffi Quirke, who impressed in Sale’s win over Toulon at the weekend, addresses the depleted scrum-half resources.