Joe Marler in contention for England's game against Scotland

England have been handed a timely boost ahead of the Six Nations opener against Scotland on 6th February with Joe Marler rejoining the squad.

Marler was withdrawn from the training camp in Brighton last week after testing positive for Covid-19 but is now in contention for the weekend's game after completing his isolation period.

The 31-year-old is reported to resume his training with the red rose team which will increase his chances of making into the matchday 23 squad for the Calcutta Cup encounter.

The news will provide relief to England coach Eddie Jones, who is already without the services of skipper Owen Farrell for the entire tournament due to a knee injury while Jonny May is ruled out of the opening two rounds.

Harlequins centre Joe Marchant is currently in isolation after testing positive for Covid-19 and Northampton’s Tommy Freeman is also sidelined with a hamstring injury.

The focus will also be on Northampton's Courtney Lawes as he is undergoing return to play protocols with Nick Isiekwe drafted in as a cover.