Dowson in fitness race for Ireland

Wednesday 14 Mar 2012

England No.8 Phil Dowson is still in the running for Saturday’s Six Nations clash against Ireland despite being knocked out in the closing stages of last weekend’s 24-22 victory over France.

The Northampton No.8 has been retained in a 24-man England training squad ahead of the tournament finale in Twickenham, with England’s interim coach Stuart Lancaster to confirm the final team on Thursday.

Lancaster has included both David Strettle, who missed the France game with a chest injury, and his replacement, Charlie Sharples.

As a result, Harlequins scrumhalf Karl Dickson is one of eight players released back to their clubs this weekend, including Leicester flyhalf Toby Flood.

England squad:

Forwards: Mouritz Botha, Alex Corbisiero, Dan Cole, Tom Croft, Phil Dowson, Dylan Hartley, Joe Marler, Ben Morgan, Tom Palmer, Geoff Parling, Chris Robshaw, Matt Stevens, Rob Webber.

Backs: Chris Ashton, Bradley Barritt, Mike Brown, Lee Dickson, Owen Farrell, Ben Foden, Charlie Hodgson, Charlie Sharples, David Strettle, Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs.

AFP

Join free

Dowson in fitness race for Ireland

Join free

Yokohama Canon Eagles vs Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Edinburgh vs Glasgow | Celtic Challenge 2024/25 | Match Highlights

Boks Office | Episode 31 | Investec Champions Cup Review

Global Schools Challenge | Day 2 Replay

The Backyard Bunch | The USA's Belmont Shore

AUSTRALIA vs USA behind the scenes | HSBC SVNS Embedded | E04

South Africa v France | HSBC SVNS Cape Town 2024 | Men's Final Match Highlights

Two Sides - Behind the scenes with the British & Irish Lions in South Africa | E01

Recommended

Latest injury concern England's Six Nations campaign

Fresh concerns for Premiership clubs

VIDEO: 'Remind South Africa that we are a top team'

VIDEO: The reason behind Nohamba's slump in form