Rupert Harden has been called up to England's squad for the tour to South Africa after Matt Stevens was ruled out.
Gloucester prop replaces Stevens
Rupert Harden has been called up to England's squad for the tour to South Africa after Matt Stevens was ruled out.
The Gloucester prop has been called into the touring party after a shoulder rotator cuff injury ended Stevens' hopes of returning to the country of his birth.
Stevens suffered the injury in Sunday's non-cap international against the Barbarians at Twickenham.
England head coach Stuart Lancaster said: "Firstly, it's really tough on Matt but he has been assessed by the medics and he wouldn't be able to train or play for some time.
"We wish him all the best but it's a great opportunity for Rupert, who has been the first-choice tight head for Gloucester this season and also involved in the Saxons during the Six Nations."
The 26-year-old Harden has made a big impression at Gloucester this season, going on to make 29 appearances in all competitions.
After beginning his career at Newcastle's academy, the Australia-born tighthead joined Gloucester from Cinderford in 2010.
Having been largely used off the bench during the 2010/11 season, Harden made the No.3 shirt his own last season - with his form earning him a call-up to the Saxons squad.
