Ribbans has received the call after his Saints colleague Courtney Lawes was sidelined for the rest of this season's tournament through injury.

The 87-times capped Lawes faces being out of rugby for 12 weeks after suffering his pectoral injury which will require surgery.

He could be sidelined until late May or early June, so it's possible that his British and Irish Lions squad selection hopes to face South Africa this summer could be in doubt.

England resume their Six Nations campaign against France on Saturday week, having suffered defeats against Scotland and Wales either side of beating Italy.

The Rugby Football Union, meanwhile, added that some of Jones' 28-man squad "who have received less playing time during the tournament" will be given an opportunity to play for their clubs this weekend.

"This will be an individual decision for each player from a performance perspective and is in line with tournament regulations and COVID-19 protocols," the RFU said.

Jones limited his Six Nations squad selection in January to 28 players in an effort to enhance coronavirus safety measures.

The RFU struck an agreement with Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players' Association that enables the 28 members to remain in camp for the entirety of a Test week.

Australian Associated Press