Johnson calls up Northampton rugby duo

England's Phil Dowson looks to pass the ball during a training session in Edmonton, Canada in 2005. England manager Martin Johnson added Northampton forwards Tom Wood and Dowson to his Six Nations squad , the Saints duo called up as cover after injuries to captain Lewis Moody and Tom Croft.

AFP - England manager Martin Johnson added Northampton forwards Tom Wood and Phil Dowson to his Six Nations squad on Monday, the Saints duo called up as cover after injuries to captain Lewis Moody and Tom Croft.

Leicester lock George Skivington has also been drafted into the squad as a replacement for the injured Courtney Lawes.

And Bath's Nick Abendanon has been promoted from the Saxons to provide full-back cover after Delon Armitage was banned for eight weeks, although the London Irish man will appeal against that suspension.

All four players have joined the England squad on their pre-Six Nations training camp in Portugal, along with Hendre Fourie.

The Leeds flanker suffered a calf injury in Sunday's game against Bucharest and he is being assessed by England's medics.

England open their Six Nations campaign against Wales in Cardiff on February 4.