Friday 5 January 2018 16:43, UK
England's Six Nations hopes have been given a boost with lock Maro Itoje's return for Saracens this weekend.
Saracens have named versatile forward Itoje and number eight Billy Vunipola for Sunday's Aviva Premiership clash with Wasps at the Ricoh Arena.
Itoje was expected to be a major doubt for the start of England's Six Nations' defence after Saracens confirmed he suffered a broken jaw during the 20-19 defeat by Harlequins early in December.
Vunipola meanwhile has been sidelined since September because of a knee injury, raising concerns that he too might not be fit for England's opener against Italy in Rome on February 4.
His return is a major boost for England head coach Eddie Jones because Wasps number eight Nathan Hughes, who has replaced Vunipola while injured, may miss the entire tournament with a recurrence of a knee injury.
Vunipola has made 34 appearances for England since his debut against Argentina in June 2013 but has not played for his country since March 2017 and missed the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand due to a shoulder problem.
The duo will also be available for Saracens' final two European Champions Cup pool fixtures against Ospreys and Northampton, with the holders realistically needing victory in both matches to retain hope of qualifying for the quarter finals.
