Johnson released back to Chiefs

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs forward Tom Johnson is one of 18 players that England have today released back to their Aviva Premiership clubs ahead of this weekend's Round 14.

The starting XV from the game at Murrayfield, including Johnson's club-mate Jack Nowell, will remain at St George's Park for training on Wednesday and Thursday morning.

The whole squad will then return to Pennyhill Park on Sunday evening to prepare for the RBS 6 Nations match against Ireland on Saturday, February 22.

England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: "We have reviewed the Scotland game with the whole squad and, while pleasing in many aspects, we have identified the areas we need to work on.

"There are some inevitable knocks from the weekend but nothing that we anticipate will keep players out of contention for the Ireland game. The replacements will return to their Premiership clubs and be available to play this weekend which will give them valuable game time."

Players returning to Aviva Premiership clubs Chris Ashton (Saracens), David Attwood (Bath Rugby), Brad Barritt (Saracens), Freddie Burns (Gloucester Rugby), Lee Dickson (Northampton Saints), Kyle Eastmond (Bath Rugby), George Ford (Bath Rugby), Alex Goode (Saracens), Matt Kvesic (Gloucester Rugby), Tom Johnson (Exeter Chiefs), Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby), Matt Mullan (London Wasps), Ed Slater (Leicester Tigers), Henry Thomas (Sale Sharks), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby), Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
Players retained at St George's Park

Mike Brown (Harlequins)
Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints)
Danny Care (Harlequins)
Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
Owen Farrell (Saracens)
Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)
Joe Launchbury (London Wasps)
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
Joe Marler (Harlequins)
Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby)
Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
Chris Robshaw (Harlequins)
Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby)
Billy Vunipola (Saracens)
Tom Wood (Northampton Saints)