Exeter prop Alec Hepburn looks poised to make his England debut against Italy on Sunday.
The 24-year-old is looking likely to make the bench, considering injuries and suspensions to other players in the 23 man squad.
Hepburn has been enjoying a good season for Exeter, playing 266 minutes, making 46 tackles, and taking 41 carries.
The prop has spent time in the England U20 set-up, and the coaches clearly felt happy with the prospect of bringing the uncapped Hepburn into the senior team.
Other uncapped players in the 25 retained players include Saracens wing Nathan Earle and Newcastle flanker Gary Graham.
Whilst Earle seems set to miss out on making the squad as he faces up to stiff competition, the 25-year-old Graham is said to be in with a chance of making the match-day squad.
England’s lengthy but not exclusive injury list currently reads off as Tom Curry, Charlie Ewels, Ellis Genge, Nathan Hughes, Zach Mercer, Matt Mullan, Beno Obano, Kyle Sinckler, Will Spencer, Billy Vunipola, Elliot Daly, Piers Francis, Semesa Rokoduguni, and Henry Slade.
Much has been said about the unsustainable nature of professional rugby if it keeps throwing up this many ailments, but as kickoff draws closer attention will be turning to the Six Nations.
