Homegrown rugby hero Mark Wilson may be set to make a return to the white of England in this year's Six Nations.

The former Kirkbie Kendal, Kendal and Newcastle Falcons player has only just returned from injury, having last played in England's Rugby World Cup final defeat in November.

He returned from that tournament with a niggling knee injury, which necessitated surgery, and only made his first appearance for new club Sale Sharks just under a fortnight ago.

Now, England coach Eddie Jones has called the combative backrower back up into an England squad which has been crying out for an out-and-out number eight following an injury to starting eight Billy Vunipola.

Wilson, who benched for the first choice Vunipola during the world cup, could be in with a chance of adding to his tally of caps this winter.

He may be helped in his race for match fitness by the disruption caused to this year's tournament by government reaction to the spread of coronavirus.

Ireland's game versus Italy in Dublin has already been cancelled, and England's final round match with the Italians in Rome is likely to be postponed as well.

This could leave Wilson with more time to get match fit again.