England have added a fourth hooker — Curtis Langdon of Northampton — to their training squad ahead of the Six Nations clash with Italy at Twickenham on Sunday.
There has been no indication of an injury to any of the leading trio; Luke Cowan-Dickie, Jamie George and Theo Dan, but the presence of Langdon suggests extra cover is needed as a precaution.
Head coach Steve Borthwick has also reinforced his squad with Sale props Bevan Rodd and Asher Opoku-Fordjour, with the latter having to wait patiently for a second cap after making his Test debut against Japan in the autumn.
Leicester scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet has been included among the group of 35, after leading England ‘A’ to an impressive victory over their Irish counterparts at Ashton Gate on February 23.
Hooker Jamie George missed the Six Nations opener against Ireland with a hamstring injury
Steve Borthwick is taking no chances with his pack with England still in the hunt for the title
Northampton’s Curtis Langdon is now the fourth hooker in England’s training squad
He could challenge Harry Randall for the right to understudy Alex Mitchell against the Azzurri.
Those who sat out training in York last week are expected to take part again on Tuesday, with Tom Curry, Ben Earl and Fin Smith among those who have been subject to a managed work-load.
Meanwhile, No 8 Tom Willis has been going through his return-to-play protocols after suffering a head knock in the win over Scotland, and the rampaging Saracen is expected to be cleared to join his team-mates as they step up preparations to face the Italians.