England call up back row as Courtney Lawes ruled out of training camp

England are being forced to call up London Irish back row Tom Pearson after they revealed that captain Courtney Lawes will not be joining the Jersey training camp.

Lawes continues to recover from a concussion and will stay in Northampton as he goes through the return-to-play protocols. Lawes suffered the concussion playing for his Saints in September.

An RFU statement reads: “Courtney Lawes will not join up with the England squad for their training camp in Jersey next week, while he continues to work through his graduated return to play protocols.

“London Irish’s Tom Pearson has been called-up and will meet up with the squad on Monday for the five-day camp.”

“Eddie Jones’ side will continue preparations for their four home Autumn Nations Series fixtures while in Jersey.”

If he doesn’t recover in time, it is likely Owen Farrell will be named as skipper for the Autumn Nations Series.

England face Argentina at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday 6 November, before hosting Japan on Saturday 12 November and then the All Blacks on 19 November. Finally they face world champions South Africa on Saturday, 26 November.

The 6’3, 114kg Pearson was a Cardiff Metropolitan University graduate. He joined the Senior Academy at London Irish following his time with the BUCS side, making 28 appearances in the university Super Rugby league.

Pearson also appeared 14 times in the Welsh Championship during his time in Cardiff and was awarded a place in the BUCS Super Rugby Team of the Season 2019/20.

Pearson made his debut in an England training squad during the 2022 Six Nations period alongside fellow Exiles Ollie Hassell-Collins and Will Goodrick-Clarke.