Nick Isiekwe replaces suspended Charlie Ewels in England squad

England head coach Steve Borthwick has recalled Saracens forward Nick Isiekwe in the squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand next month.

The decision follows after lock Charlie Ewels was suspended for two matches following his red card incident in the recently concluded encounter against Japan in Tokyo.

Ewels was sin-binned in the 73rd minute of the encounter in Tokyo for a dangerous tackle on Japan captain and former Chief Michael Leitch. The decision was later upgraded to a red card restricting his involvement in the game to only six minutes.

It was his second red card in as many Tests after he was sent-off during the game against Ireland in 2022.

The 28-year-old faced an independent disciplinary hearing and agreed to foul play but contested against the red card decision. Nevertheless, the panel sanctioned him with a two-game suspension ruling him out of the Test series against New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Isiekwe will join the England squad in Auckland on 25th June.

The two-game Test series between England and New Zealand will be played on 6th July in Dunedin followed by a clash on 13th June in Auckland.