England: Tom Curry ruled out of Wales Test, Courtney Lawes set for Six Nations return

Jared Wright
England head coach Steve Borthwick has retained 26 players in his squad for the upcoming Six Nations clash with Wales. tom curry courtney lawes

England head coach Steve Borthwick has retained 26 players in his squad for the upcoming Six Nations clash with Wales.

Tom Curry has withdrawn from the fixture with a leg injury after receiving a recall on Sunday. He was poised to make his first England appearance since November, having recovered from a torn hamstring.

He scored a try on his return for Sale Sharks over the weekend in the Premiership but is now set for another spell on the sidelines.

Ben Curry returns

Tom has been replaced in the squad by twin brother Ben Curry, who started the opening game against Scotland.

Meanwhile, Saracens flanker Ben Earl has been released from the squad despite featuring off the bench in Red Rose’s games against Scotland and Italy.

In the backs, Fraser Dingwall has been released back to Northampton Saints. Ollie Hassell-Collins started both games on the left wing but is ruled out of third due to a knee issue.

Cadan Murley could make his Test debut; he is the only uncapped player in the squad.

Courtney Lawes is set to make his return to Test rugby after being named fit for selection this week. He last played for England in July last year, captaining the side to a Series victory over Australia.

Lawes’ season has been heavily disrupted by concussion, neck, glute and calf injuries, but he will play some part in the Six Nations showdown in Cardiff.

Steve Borthwick’s side face off against Wales at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, 25 February (4.45 pm KO).

England’s 26-man squad to face Wales in Cardiff

Forwards: Ollie Chessum,Dan Cole, Ben Curry, Alex Dombrandt, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Nick Isiekwe, Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, Kyle Sinckler, Mako Vunipola, Jack Walker, Jack Willis.
Backs: Henry Arundell, Owen Farrell, Ollie Lawrence, Max Malins, Joe Marchant, Alex Mitchell, Cadan Murley, Henry Slade, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Jack van Poortvliet, Anthony Watson.

READ MORE: Six Nations report card: Inconsistent England still a work in progress under new regime