Harlequins forward Alex Dombrandt has been called up to England's World Cup training squad in Italy.
The 22-year-old received the call on Thursday morning after an injury to fellow back-rower Brad Shields, who is struggling with a ligament problem in his foot.
Shields is due to fly back to England on Thursday to learn the extent of his injury, while Dombrandt will go the other way and board a flight to take him to England’s base in Treviso.
The call-up is a boost to Dombrandt’s World Cup hopes as he will now get the chance to impress head coach Eddie Jones.
England are out in Italy until August 2, meaning Dombrandt has just over a week to stake his claim.
The back-row forward enjoyed a brilliant debut season for Harlequins this year, while he also shone for an England XV against the Barbarians last month.
England are currently training in Italy as they look to get used to what conditions will be like in Tokyo.
