England head coach Eddie Jones will be able to welcome back both Joe Launchbury and Billy Vunipola to the England squad ahead of next month’s Six Nations.
Both players will once again be available for selection with Launchbury named in Wasps team to take on Northampton this weekend while Billy Vunipola has been included in the Saracens side to play Sale Sharks.
Launchbury has played just three times for Wasps this season and joins the club after overcoming a knee injury while Vunipola has recovered from his third broken arm in the last 12 months.
Vunipola has been a critical part of England’s success under Jones and was a key part of their Grand Slam run in 2016, and while Mark Wilson impressed mightily during the November internationals, Jones plans to treat Vunipola like the ‘king’s baby’ this year.
“He is a Saracens player at the moment so I cannot do too much,” Jones said after Vunipola’s latest injury back in October.
“We have had a quick text conversation. He has strong beliefs and he will get through. I will let him rehab. Some guys when they are injured are good around the camp, others not so good. There is no reason to have guys around just because they are injured.
“I cannot control what he does at Sarries. I only have him for nine weeks between now and July. In that time, we will look after him like he is the king’s baby. The rest of the time it is Sarries’ responsibility and they look after their players well. We trust them to do a great job.”
Meanwhile flanker Sam Underhill is also in doubt for next month’s Six Nations opener with Ireland after Bath confirmed that he suffered an ankle ligament injury during last Sunday’s Premiership victory over Leicester.
The club said “further detail around his expected return” will be provided after he is reviewed by a specialist.
Ireland will kick-off their Grand Slam defence against England at Lansdowne Road on Saturday, February 2nd.
