Harlequins prop Joe Marler has tested positive for Covid-19 as England’s Six Nations preparations continue to be disrupted.
Marler returned a positive lateral flow test on Tuesday morning and immediately went into isolation.
A subsequent PCR test taken the same morning confirmed the result, but no other England players and staff have tested positive after undergoing their usual daily lateral flow testing regime.
Marler will now miss out on this week’s training camp in Bristol and it remains to be seen how he recovers for next week’s Six Nations opener against Scotland at Murrayfield.
England have already had to cope with issues ahead of that match, with captain Owen Farrell injuring his ankle last week.
Wing Jonny May has also withdrawn from the squad due to a knee problem, while Courtney Lawes - who is due to captain England in Farrell’s absence - is unable to train this week as he is undergoing head injury return to play protocols.
