Itoje a late doubt for England after becoming unwell

England are sweating on the availability of of second row Maro Itoje for tomorrow's Guinness Six Nations clash with Ireland at Twickenham, after he became unwell overnight.

Itoje will miss today's captain’s run at the stadium but England are "cautiously optimistic" that he will be available to take on Andy Farrell’s title rivals (4.45pm).

In a second blow to the squad on the eve of the game, forwards coach Richard Cockerill has tested positive for Covid and is now self-isolating.

Should Itoje be unable to play in tomorrow's game at Twickenham, Wasps lock Joe Launchbury would be the most likely to partner Charlie Ewels.

'I'm quiet as a church mouse' - a smiling @maroitoje tells #RTESport @micilglennon that he never gets involved in sledging #ENGvIRE #SixNations #RTERugby pic.twitter.com/25oPhGsLYF

The 30-year-old was named on the bench, for what should be his first Test match since December 2020, having struggled with injury in the last year.

England had already been forced into changes from their win against Wales last time out, with hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to a knee injury, while number 8 Alex Dombrandt was only suited to a spot among the replacements, having had Covid-19 last week.

Listen to the RTÉ Rugby podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow all of Ireland's Six Nations games via our live blogs on rte.ie/sport and on the RTÉ News App or listen to live radio coverage on RTÉ Radio 1.

Watch live coverage of Wales v France (Friday 11 March from 7.30pm) and England v Ireland (Saturday 12 March from 4pm) on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.