England have called up Saracens scrum-half Ben Spencer as emergency cover for Willi Heinz for the Rugby World Cup final.
Spencer is due to fly to Japan on Sunday ahead England’s final math in Japan against either South Africa or Wales, with Heinz suffering from a hamstring injury suffered in the closing stages of England’s stunning 19-7 victory over New Zealand.
Eddie Jones elected to take just two scrum-halves to Japan in the form of Heinz and Ben Youngs, but with the Gloucester man potentially ruled out of the final – he will undergo further assessment on Sunday – the three-cap half-back has replaced Heinz in the squad 31-man squad.
A statement from the Rugby Football Union said: “Ben Spencer will join the England squad tomorrow as an injury replacement for Willi Heinz.
“Heinz injured his hamstring during England’s semi-final win over New Zealand last night. He will remain with the squad until the end of the tournament.”
Spencer last played for England in this year’s Six Nations draw with Scotland, although he is yet to make his first start for his country having made his debut on last year’s summer tour of South Africa.
He will be the first injury replacement needed by England, with the squad making it through three pool games and two knockout rounds without any serious injuries, though Heinz will remain with the squad for the rest of the week even though he is unable to play.
But on Sunday they will count the cost of the victory over the All Blacks, with Owen Farrell and Jonny May both suffering dead legs and Kyle Sinckler limping off with a sore calf.
