Six Nations: Hartley and Lawes released by England
Northampton pair Dylan Hartley and Courtney Lawes, who both started in the win against France, are two of 10 players released from the England squad for this weekend's Premiership games.
The duo were recalled for Saturday's Six Nations clash, but this suggests both could be dropped for next game against Italy on Sunday, 10 March. Fly-half Owen Farrell remains sidelined having come off injured in the win. Highlights: England 23-13 France "Owen is recovering from a tight quad muscle," said coach Stuart Lancaster. "He probably won't train this week, but we are fortunate to have Toby [Flood] who came on and did well against France. "This week is partly about recharging our batteries after a tough Test match, but we trained well today [Tuesday] and are in pretty good shape." Gloucester's Ben Morgan and number eight Billy Vunipola of Wasps are also continuing their recoveries from injuries under a joint club-England medical programme at Pennyhill Park. Vunipola's brother Mako has not been released. It is understood the loose-head could start against the Azzurri having come on in the second half of the 23-13 win over the French. Northampton's Ben Foden and Lee Dickson, Wasps flanker James Haskell, Worcester's Matt Kvesic, Saracens pair David Strettle and Joel Tomkins, plus Bath prop David Wilson and Leicester back-row forward Thomas Waldrom were also sent back to their clubs. 