Double Dickson for England

England have called up scrumhalf Karl Dickson to join his younger brother and fellow No.9 Lee in their Six Nations training squad for next Sunday's match against France after Joe Simpson dislocated a shoulder at the weekend.

Simpson's Wasps teammate lock Joe Launchbury was also called-up as a replacement for Courtney Lawes, who was last week ruled out of the rest of the tournament with a shin problem.

Dickson, who plays for Harlequins, had already been called up earlier in the tournament when Lee broke a bone in his hand ,while for Launchbury it is a reflection of the esteem he is held in having been named England's players' player of the tournament at the 2011 Under-20 World Cup.

"I am totally shocked but thrilled to get the chance to train with the squad," said Launchbury.

"It was a totally unexpected call especially as I have missed so much of this season but it's a great opportunity for me to pick up some really valuable experience at the highest level. I'm really looking forward to it."

England are short of cover at scrumhalf as Richard Wigglesworth is injured and Danny Care is serving an international suspension following his conviction for drink driving.

AFP