Rising star Maro Itoje set to start against Ireland

Saracens lock Maro Itoje could make his first England start after Joe Launchbury was ruled out of Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations clash against Ireland with a hamstring problem.

England effectively passed Launchbury fit yesterday morning, forwards coach Steve Borthwick declaring the Wasps second row’s hamstring issue was “no concern”. But by late afternoon the Rugby Football Union had issued a statement to confirm Launchbury had been forced to admit defeat in his battle to face the Irish.

Lock Courtney Lawes was hurriedly drafted back into England’s 23-man match squad, just a day after being released back for club duty with Northampton.