Saints scrum-half Mitchell gets England call

The scrum-half replaces Bristol Bears No.9 Harry Randall, who has been forced to withdraw with an ankle injury.

Mitchell heads into camp fresh from starting for Saints in their superb 13-12 Gallagher Premiership win at Exeter Chiefs on Saturday afternoon.

He will join Courtney Lawes as part of the England group.

Players, aside from those who get injured, do not get released by the Red Rose at any point during the Six Nations due to the decision to limit the risk of Covid-19.

That means Saints will now call on the likes of Tom James and Henry Taylor as they bid to continue their push for a play-off place in the Premiership.

Next up for Mitchell, Lawes and England is a clash with Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

England then face France at Twickenham on March 13 before finishing their Six Nations campaign against Ireland in Dublin on March 20.

Saints' next match comes on Sunday against Bath at Franklin's Gardens.