Warriors' Mullan in England call

Matt Mullan celebrated his 22nd birthday away on England duty

Worcester Warriors prop Matt Mullan is training with the England squad ahead of this weekend's Six Nations game against Ireland.

But Mullan, who has been called up as cover for Andrew Sheridan, should still be available for Warriors' league clash with Wasps at Sixways on Saturday.

Director of rugby Mike Ruddock said: "Matt deserves to be in the mix.

"England are confident Sheridan will be fit and they've said Matt will be released to us for the Wasps game."

Mullan, who celebrates his 22nd birthday this week, was already in the thoughts of the England selectors after being called up for the subsequently postponed Saxons' game against Ireland A in Dublin earlier this month.

"It has been strange," he said. "After the Saxons game was called off at the last minute, I thought my chance had gone."

Meanwhile, three Worcester women have been called up for England international duty.

Gemma Sharples starts in the back row for the England Women's team to play Ireland in Dublin on Friday night, while Jo Yapp and Kat Merchant are in the Sevens squad for the World Cup in Dubai next month.