England hand call-up to uncapped fly-half George Ford
Rising Bath star in as cover for Owen Farrell
Uncapped fly-half George Ford was included in England’s 23 for their Six Nations international against Ireland at Twickenham this weekend when coach Stuart Lancaster announced his match-day squad on Tuesday.
England, who beat Scotland 20-0 last time out after losing 26-24 to France in Paris in their tournament opener, have so far got through this Six Nations without specialist bench cover for fly-half Owen Farrell.
But, ahead of what is set to be a bruising encounter against unbeaten Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday, Lancaster has decided to call-up 20-year-old Bath rising star Ford, with centre Brad Barritt no longer involved.
“We feel that the time is right to include George Ford in the match-day squad,” Lancaster said.
“We have successfully integrated and included many young players over the last two years and George is the next exciting talent to make his mark in the senior squad and we are looking forward to see him develop over the next few months,” the England coach added.
“Brad Barritt is obviously disappointed to miss out but he is still a key member of our squad and I am sure he will get further opportunities in the future”