Northampton Saints lock David Ribbans has been called up to the England squad for the remaining Six Nations matches against France and Ireland.

This follows confirmation that Courtney Lawes would be unavailable for the remainder of the tournament through injury.

Ribbans, who has been sensational for the Northampton Saints since joining the club from Western Province in 2017, was previously called into England’s training squad in October 2020, but did not make his Test debut.

The 25-year-old has played 75 games for the Saints, scoring 15 tries. Ribbans was voted the club’s player of the month for October 2018 in a standout year for the men in Black, Green and Gold as the side won the Premiership Rugby Cup and reached the Gallagher Premiership semi-finals.

Eddie Jones’ side, who are currently on a fallow week, will meet again at their training base, The Lensbury in Teddington, to prepare for their last two matches on Sunday.

Some of the squad members who have received less playing time during the tournament will be given the opportunity to play for their clubs in their respective fixtures this weekend.

This will be an individual decision for each player from a performance perspective and is in line with tournament regulations and Covid-19 protocols.

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