Jones will bank on a squad of 28

EDDIE Jones will be limited to selecting a 28-man squad for the forthcoming Six Nations campaign.

Under normal circumstances, it would be customary for Jones to pluck around 32 players from their club sides for a camp and then release a handful not involved in the match on any given week back to their teams.

But in light of the current coronavirus situation, an agreement has been struck for Jones to name 28 players and keep them in camp for the entire campaign.

“In recognition of the challenges presented by Covid-19, Premiership Rugby, the RPA and the RFU have agreed that England will retain a 28-player squad,” said an RFU statement.

“This will reduce movement in and out of the England team environment.”

The move comes after a week when French rugby boss Bernard Laporte insisted players would be tested twice a week during the Six Nations in an attempt to allay the fears of the French government.

At present, France have permission to play their opening game against Italy, but there is no word on matches against Ireland and England.