Henry Slade, Henry Thomas & Sam Burgess join England camp

Exeter Chiefs' Henry Slade has been called up to train with the senior England squad after starring in England Saxons' win over Ireland Wolfhounds.

The 21-year-old scored 13 of his side's points in Friday's 18-9 win in Cork.

Slade will provide cover for Bath centre Kyle Eastmond, who has an injured shoulder.

Bath tight-head Henry Thomas is in as cover for club-mate David Wilson, while Sam Burgess will join the squad for two days "to help his development".

England head coach Stuart Lancaster confirmed Eastmond's injury does not require surgery, while Northampton Saints flanker Tom Wood similarly does not need an operation on an injured ankle.

"We are hoping that David's injury will settle down but we need to consider our options at tight-head over the next few days and Henry's form deserves consideration," Lancaster said.

"Kyle's scan showed that he does not need surgery but he is not back training so we have the option to bring Henry in on the back of a good performance out in Cork.

"Tom also does not require an operation so he is being treated in camp for his ankle injury and is making good progress. He should come into consideration over the next week or so."

Former rugby league star Burgess will join the senior set-up at Pennyhill Park after making a quiet international union debut for Saxons in Cork.

"Sam will just come into camp for two days to further his rugby experience before returning to Bath on Monday evening to get more game time with the club over the next few weeks," Lancaster said.

"He is still learning the game and this is an opportunity to help his development."

England open their Six Nations campaign against Wales in Cardiff on Friday, 6 February.