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England still investigating Sam Underhill call-up, says Eddie Jones

Sam Underhill played at under-18 level for England
Image: Sam Underhill played at under-18 level for England

England head coach Eddie Jones is still in the dark regarding the availability of Ospreys flanker Sam Underhill as a possible replacement for the injured James Haskell.

Haskell could be sidelined for up to six months with a foot injury, while the 19-year-old Underhill has caught the eye of Jones after a string of impressive displays for the Welsh club. 

Underhill was overlooked for the last two England squads due to ineligibility, with the Rugby Football Union rules for international call-ups stating that those not playing in England will be barred except "in extraordinary circumstances".

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British media reports in March suggested that Premiership clubs could block the move to select Underhill, who shifted base to Wales for educational commitments.

Asked if there had been a clear directive from the RFU regarding the eligibility of the former England under-18 player, Jones said: "Yes and no".

James Haskell could miss up to six months due to injury
Image: James Haskell could miss up to six months due to injury

"'Yes' is that I don't think that his position has changed, and the 'no' is that we still need to investigate. We'll just wait and see."

Jones added that Fiji-born Nathan Hughes, who has completed his three-year residency to be eligible for England selection, will most likely operate at blindside flank.

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Wasps' Nathan Hughes is set to come into England fold
Image: Wasps' Nathan Hughes is set to come into England fold

"I'll probably look at him more as a six than an eight, but certainly he's a guy that's got something that you can coach," added Jones.

"His ball-carrying is something that you can't coach, which gives him a head start and if he can pick up in his other areas then he is going to be a pretty handy player."

England host South Africa, Fiji, Argentina and Australia at Twickenham in the autumn internationals in November and early December.   

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