Eddie Jones will miss the start of England’s Six Nations camp after being forced into 10 days of self-isolation.
Jones was contacted after forwards coach Matt Proudfoot tested positive for Covid-19 on Monday despite not displaying any symptoms.
With attack coach Simon Amor also obliged to isolate, England will have only one senior coach present when the staff gather on Monday to plan the campaign.
Jones will announce a 28-man squad tomorrow as planned, albeit from home, but is unable to join up with his squad until Thursday - just nine days before England launch their title defence at home to Scotland.
He has wasted no time, however, in replacing skills coach Jason Ryles, who has opted to remain with his young family in Australia until the summer due to the high Covid rates in the UK.
Ed Robinson, the 27-year-old son of former England head coach Andy and an assistant coach at Championship club Jersey, is the surprise choice to fill in.
Jones said: “Ed is a talented young coach and will work to help the players improve. We understand and support Jason’s decision and are expecting that he will be back with us this summer.”
