Six Nations
Slade and Thomas called up by England
ESPN Staff
January 31, 2015
Thomas had a storming game for England Saxons against Irish Wolfhounds on Friday © Getty Images
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England have called up Exeter Chiefs back Henry Slade and Bath prop Henry Thomas as cover for Kyle Eastmond and David Wilson ahead of their Six Nations opener against Wales next Friday.

Both players played in England Saxons' 18-9 victory over Irish Wolfhounds in Cork on Friday, with Slade scoring a try in his 13 points and Thomas impressing with his work in the tight and the loose.

Slade played at fly-half in Cork but is also capable of playing inside and outside centre. England currently have doubts about Eastmond, Brad Barritt and Luther Burrell in that position, while Manu Tuilagi is likely to miss the whole Six Nations.

Eastmond has a shoulder injury which will not require surgery but is keeping him from training at this stage. Wilson continues to have treatment for a nerve impingement in his neck.

"We are hoping that David's injury will settle down but we need to consider our options at tight head over the next few days and Henry's form deserves consideration," said England head coach Stuart Lancaster.

"Kyle's scan showed that he does not need surgery but he is not back training so we have the option to bring Henry in on the back of a good performance out in Cork. Tom also does not require an operation so he is being treated in camp for his ankle injury and is making good progress. He should come into consideration over the next week or so."

Slade and Thomas will join up with England at their Pennyhill Park training base on Sunday, where they will also be joined by Sam Burgess, who will train with the squad for two days.

"Sam will just come into camp for two days to further his rugby experience before returning to Bath on Monday evening to get more game time with the club over the next few weeks," said Lancaster. "He is still learning the game and this is an opportunity to help his development."

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