I'm rapt man, as proud as - I can't believe it's happened so fast

Henry Paul

Balshaw: Axed

"Henry's involvement is part of a learning curve similar to that experienced by Jason Robinson last year," Woodward said.

Sale wing Robinson, who also made the switch from league, did not start an international for England until the Six Nations decider against Ireland a fortnight ago.

While the announcement of the squad comes as a huge boost to Paul, a number of more established union players have suddenly seen their international careers put on hold.

Bath and Lions full-back Balshaw, Wasps hooker Greening and lock Shaw have all been overlooked following the 20-14 defeat by Ireland, which cost England the Grand Slam.

Back: Stand-in skipper

And there is also no place for Leicester back-row man Martin Corry, who has been troubled in recent weeks by a hamstring problem.

Captain Johnson is still ruled out because of a hand injury.

His understudy in Dublin, scrum-half Dawson, is struggling with a hamstring injury - so Leicester flanker Back is named as skipper.

Woodward has drafted in a number of younger players - including fly-half Charlie Hodgson, hooker Steve Thompson and lock Ben Kay - but it is unlikely they will all be named in the match-day 22.