England: Alex Dombrandt a doubt for Ireland clash after testing positive for Covid
England's Alex Dombrandt during the Guinness Six Nations match at Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy. Picture date: Sunday February 13, 2022.
England may be without Alex Dombrandt for their Six Nations encounter against Ireland after the number eight tested positive for Covid.
Dombrandt returned a positive test on Friday and immediately entered self-isolation before the PCR confirmation.
The back-row will join up with the squad later in the week if his recovery goes to plan, but it is not ideal preparation for the game with Andy Farrell’s men.
Sam Underhill recalled to England squad
The news on Dombrandt came as head coach Eddie Jones named an updated 36-man training group with Sam Underhill handed a recall.
Bath flanker Underhill was left out of Jones’ plans for the tournament’s opening fixture against Scotland having suffered blows to the head against Gloucester on Boxing Day and Leinster in January, for which he was sent to a specialist for advice.
Underhill, who has 27 international caps, has also had Covid and another illness but returned to action for Bath in Saturday’s Premiership match with Bristol.
The 36-strong squad also sees Nic Dolly and Alex Mitchell included for the first time since the 2021 Autumn Nations Series.
Bath centre Orlando Bailey and Luke Northmore of Harlequins are other call-ups.
Scrum-half Raffi Quirke suffered concussion in Sale Sharks’ game against Exeter on Sunday, making him unavailable for selection.
Jonny Hill, who had been doing rehabilitation work on a low limb stress injury since he arrived into camp, has returned to Exeter for the remainder of the tournament.
Manu Tuilagi and Luke Cowan-Dickie were also missing from England’s training squad as they manage respective hamstring and knee problems.
England, who edged out Wales 23-19 last month, meet Ireland in the Six Nations at Twickenham on March 12.
England’s 36-man training squad
Forwards: Alfie Barbeary, Jamie Blamire, Ollie Chessum, Tom Curry, Nic Dolly, Alex Dombrandt, Charlie Ewels, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje, Nick Isiekwe, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Joe Marler, Bevan Rodd, Sam Simmonds, Kyle Sinckler, Will Stuart, Sam Underhill
Backs: Orlando Bailey, Elliot Daly, George Ford, George Furbank, Ollie Hassell-Collins, Louis Lynagh, Max Malins, Joe Marchant, Alex Mitchell, Jack Nowell, Luke Northmore, Harry Randall, Henry Slade, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Ben Youngs
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