Six Nations: Joe Launchbury and Joe Marler withdraw from England’s squad

Joe Launchbury and Joe Marler have withdrawn from England’s squad for the Six Nations.

Wasps lock Launchbury is out due to a stress fracture in his leg, while Harlequins prop Marler has pulled out due to personal reasons.

Charlie Ewels and Tom West will join Eddie Jones’ tournament squad ahead of their opener against Scotland at Twickenham Stadium on February 6.

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For West, the 24-year-old Wasps prop, it is a first England senior call-up, while Bath lock Ewels has 17 caps since making his debut against Fiji in 2016.

Marler explained his decision to withdraw on Twitter, stating in “these crazy times” it was not an easy decision for the experienced forward to make.

“Always grateful for the opportunity so not an easy decision, but want to do right by my family in these crazy times and won’t be meeting up with the squad for this tournament,” Marler said. “Look forward to watching the team rip in. Go well.”

Always grateful for the opportunity so not an easy decision, but want to do right by my family in these crazy times and won’t be meeting up with the squad for this tournament. Look forward to watching the team rip in. Go well ? x

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