IRISH’S HODGSON IN FOR ENGLAND

England have been forced to make a late change to their squad before departing on Monday for their five-match tour of Australia and New Zealand. It should have no effect on the demand for England Rugby Hospitality Tickets.

Wasps scrum-half Joe Simpson, one of nine uncapped players in the party, sustained a hamstring injury as a late replacement against the Barbarians.

His withdrawal sees a call-up for Paul Hodgson of London Irish.

Fly-half Charlie Hodgson and Newcastle prop Jon Golding, who both picked up knocks on Sunday, are fit to travel.

Hodgson, who left the field with blood pouring from a nose injury, and Golding, who was forced off after a blow to the ribs, will be reassessed when the squad arrives in Perth on Tuesday.

England’s first game is against the Australian Barbarians next Tuesday, 8 June, with the first Test against the Wallabies, also in Perth, on Saturday 12 June.