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Has England won the international bidding war for the son of Wallabies legend?

30th January, 2022
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30th January, 2022
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Louis Lynagh is back in with a chance of making his debut for England after being added to their squad as cover for their opening match against Scotland in the Six Nations.

Lynagh, son of former Wallabies World Cup winner Michael, was drafted in to Eddie Jones’ squad on Sunday after another setback for England with Joe Marchant testing positive for COVID-19.

Marchant’s case was confirmed by lateral flow and PCR tests on Friday and he will miss at least the start of the training week at the squad’s base in Surrey.

The versatile Harlequins back Marchant, who covers outside centre and wing, was set to feature at Murrayfield on Saturday as England contend with a lengthy injury list.

Now, though, his Quins’ teammate Lynagh, who has been in prolific try-scoring form at club level, has been brought in by Jones, who has sung his praises after a previous spell in the squad.

Lynagh has also sparked interest from both Australia and Italy – he is eligible for the Azzurri because his mother is Italian – but England appear to be in the driver’s seat in this international race.

Another winger, Newcastle’s Adam Radwan, has also been added to the squad.

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Prop Joe Marler also remains in self-isolation because of coronavirus.

Northampton back Tommy Freeman has been ruled out by a hamstring injury, but he was unlikely to play any part against Scotland.

Courtney Lawes remains a doubt as he continues to recover from the concussion sustained for Northampton against Ulster earlier in the month and Nick Isiekwe is to stay with England for the week as cover.

Having lost Owen Farrell to ankle surgery for the entire Championship, Jones will be hoping that Lawes recovers with the Lions flanker likely to deputise as captain.

England also have fitness concerns of varying degrees over wings Jonny May and Anthony Watson, centres Manu Tuilagi and Henry Slade, lock Jonny Hill and flanker Sam Underhill.

© AAP

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