Nick Easter called up by England after Billy Vunipola is ruled out of Rugby World Cup
Monday 28 September 2015 21:07, UK
England have called Nick Easter into their Rugby World Cup squad as a replacement for the injured Billy Vunipola.
Saracens No 8 Vunipola was initially rated "50-50" for this weekend's crucial Pool A game against Australia at Twickenham after he suffered a knee injury during Saturday's 28-25 defeat to Wales, but his tournament is now over after he underwent a scan.
"It's so unfortunate for Billy but the scan shows an injury which means he can't take any further part in the World Cup," head coach Stuart Lancaster said.
"Billy worked really hard and committed everything to the last three months. He is a young man with a bright future ahead of him and I know he will be an integral part of this team for years to come."
Vunipola also wrote on Twitter: "I'm gutted to say that my 2015 RWC journey has come to an abrupt end. Now time to give my all for England Rugby from the stands."
Harlequins No 8 Easter only narrowly missed out on selection for the original 31-man squad after impressing in England's second warm-up against France.
The 37-year-old, who will join the England squad at their training camp on Monday evening, has made 52 Test appearances and was involved in the 2007 and 2011 World Cups.
Lancaster added: "Nick was unlucky to miss out on final selection. He is a specialist No 8 and an experienced player. We know he will make a big contribution."
Easter has also taken to Twitter, writing: "Gutted for Billy V. Played so well Saturday but honoured to be called up to RWC squad in what will be a huge week. #bringiton."
Ben Morgan started at No 8 in England's opening game against Fiji but he has also been struggling with a knee injury and missed the Wales game, although he return to training on Monday and is available for selection against the Wallabies according to backs coach Andy Farrell.
Farrell also revealed that centre Jonathan Joseph is progressing well and could be available, but lock Courtney Lawes and scrum-half Ben Youngs must prove their fitness over the next two days.
Speaking about the Vunipola situation, Farrell said: "We are all devastated for Billy. He has got a four to six week injury on his knee that's going to keep him out of the tournament.
"We know what kind of a player Billy is and what he brings to the team. I thought he was excellent in the game against Wales and unfortunately he just got caught under a maul. These things happen and he's gone home with our best wishes.
"Hopefully we will see him back playing very soon, but it gives the opportunity for Nick Easter to come back into the squad, an experienced guy that's been there and done that before.
"He's been involved in some big games in World Cups before and been successful. He's been in the environment for 12 weeks in pre-season, etc and he's a smart guy who understands what top-level football and pressure games are all about.
"We welcome him back into the squad and he's available for selection this weekend
"He's a passionate Englishman and he's desperate for the team to do well. He will want to put his stamp on this squad straightaway at the beginning of this week because he realises what's coming up as well this weekend."
