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London (AFP) – George Ford has a chance to relaunch his international career after being called up to England’s training squad for the next Six Nations on Monday as a replacement for injured Owen Farrell.
Ford has been in fine form for Premiership leaders Leicester Tiger this season, but the fly-half was omitted from England coach Eddie Jones’ 36-man training squad announced last week.
The 28-year-old did not feature in the November internationals, with Ford earning the last of his 77 England caps against Ireland in the 2021 Six Nations.
Jones named Farrell, a childhood friend of Ford, as England skipper last week, even though the fly-half/centre hasn’t played rugby since suffering an ankle injury against Australia in November.
But a new injury sustained while the 30-year-old was training with the Saracens side ruled Farrell out of the English tournament opener in Scotland on February 5.
England suffered another setback on Monday when winger Jonny May withdrew with a knee injury.
May’s place in the squad has been taken by experienced utility full-back Elliot Daly, who can play full-back, wing and centre.
Courtney Lawes, widely tipped to lead England in Farrell’s absence for the Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield, given he captained England’s wins against Tonga and world champions South Africa in November, unable to train this week due to concussion.
A statement issued by England’s ruling Rugby Football Union said: “Following Owen Farrell’s withdrawal from the squad, Jones will now appoint a new team captain ahead of the Calcutta Cup game.”
Saracens’ Nick Isiekwe has been called up to the squad as a replacement for Northampton Saints striker Lawes.
© 2022 AFP
