Courtney Lawes replaces Joe Launchbury in England squad

Lock Joe Launchbury has been ruled out of England's Six Nations match against Ireland on Saturday.

England had expected Launchbury to make the Twickenham clash, but the 24-year-old will instead return to his club side Wasps for further treatment on a hamstring injury and has been replaced in the squad by Courtney Lawes.

The Rugby Football Union said in a statement: “It was anticipated that Launchbury would take part in England’s third game of the tournament but after further consultation with team medical staff it has been decided he is unfit to play.”