Rugby:England have called up Leicester number eight Thomas Waldrom as cover for the injured Nick Easter.

Waldrom, a member of England’s initial 45-man Rugby World Cup training squad, will fly to New Zealand tonight.

Easter is still receiving treatment for a back injury, which forced him to miss England’s 41-10 victory over Georgia yesterday.

Waldrom is not an official replacement for prop Andrew Sheridan, who suffered a tournament-ending shoulder injury in England’s 13-9 victory over Argentina. England are yet to call up a replacement for Sheridan.

England manager Martin Johnson said: “Nick Easter is still suffering from a sore back so we will be bringing Thomas out as temporary cover. We’ve obviously spoken to Leicester and Thomas will be flying later today.”