Six Nations campaign

England's Six Nations prep underway

Eddie Jones's men were hit with a handful of injuries after last weekend's Premiership rounds, but plenty of hopefuls will still have a chance to impress before the January 18 announcement of the Six Nations squad.

Charlie Ewels (hamstring), Piers Francis (concussion), Jonathan Joseph (dead leg), Jack Nowell (ankle) and Harry Williams (concussion) were all absent from the camp, while lock Courtney Lawes was already ruled out for personal reasons.

Giant London Irish wing Joe Cokanasiga and Bath's Henry Thomas have been called up as injury replacements.

Billy Vunipola poised for England return after successful comeback for Saracens

The 24-year-old British and Irish Lions tour certainty had been out since November with a knee injury, but he showed no ill effects in a 72-minute performance in Saracens'  35-27 win over the Newcastle Falcons on Monday (NZ Time)

Vunipola's display had English media outlets speculating that he could be recalled to Eddie Jones' England squad for next Sunday's Six Nations game against Scotland.

Saracens built up a big lead at Newcastle before the Falcons rallied with two late tries before stalling in their bid to win two bonus points.