England Release 18 for Club Action

Stuart Lancaster and England have released 18 players back to their clubs ahead of this weekend’s Aviva Premiership action.

However, the entire starting line-up from Saturday’s 20-0 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield will remain at St George’s Park for training on Wednesday and Thursday morning.

The replacement’s bench contingent from the weekend’s game – Tom Youngs, Mako Vunipola, Henry Thomas, Dave Attwood, Ben Morgan, Lee Dickson, Brad Barritt and Alex Goode – are among those made available for Premiership duty.

The latest round of fixtures – as per most weeks – kicks off under the AJ Bell floodlights in Manchester, when Saracens travel north to face Sale. Other highlights include Bath's trip to Exeter on Saturday and Leicester hosting Gloucester on Sunday.

The entire England squad will convene at Pennyhill Park in Surrey on Sunday, ahead of the following weekend’s Twickenham showdown with unbeaten table toppers Ireland.

"We have reviewed the Scotland game with the whole squad and, while pleasing in many aspects, we have identified the areas we need to work on," England head coach Stuart Lancaster said.

"There are some inevitable knocks from the weekend, but nothing that we anticipate will keep players out of contention for the Ireland game.

"The replacements will return to their Premiership clubs and be available to play this weekend, which will give them valuable game time."

England, 20-0 conquerors of Scotland, lie third in the Six Nations table behind Ireland and France after two rounds.