Harlequins have received a major boost ahead of their clash with Wasps on Saturday after Joe Marler was left out of the England training squad this week.
Eddie Jones named a 25-man squad on Tuesday night, which included centre Manu Tuilagi, and they will work at a five-day training camp in London ahead of next week’s Six Nations match with Wales.
Prop Marler was left out of the squad, with Ellis Genge and twice-capped Bevan Rodd the two loose-head options in the group. Marler has played just 32 minutes so far in this season’s Six Nations and will now be available for Quins this weekend.
The news is a big boost to Quins, who come into Saturday’s game with Wasps off the back of three defeats in a row.
Lock Nick Isiekwe, who impressed in last week’s win over Italy, has also been left out of the England squad and will therefore be available for Saracens’ game at London Irish on Saturday.
No8 Sam Simmonds will not take part in England training this week as part of the management of an ongoing hip issue, but he will be rehabbing in camp.
The same goes for Courtney Lawes and Jonny Hill, who will also join up with the squad. Lawes will continue to work through return to play protocols after suffering a concussion and Hill is undergoing rehab on a fibula injury.
Uncapped Wasps back row Alfie Barbeary has duly been called up, along with London Irish forward Tom Pearson.