SARACENS number eight Ben Skirving has been called up to Brian Ashton's England squad for the forthcoming two-test tour of South Africa.

The 23-year-old was originally named in Jim Mallinder's Saxons squad for the Churchill Cup but an injury to Gloucester's Peter Buxton forced Ashton to bring in Skirving as his replacement.

He will join Sarries teammates Andy Farrell, Kevin Yates and Matt Cairns on the tour.

Ashton said: "Pete's right thumb was repositioned last night (Monday) and although the prognosis is good, unfortunately he won't be able to take a full part in preparation for the first test(Bloemfontein, May 26).

"It is unfortunate for Pete but we have decided to call up Ben Skirving from the England Saxons to travel in his place."

Skirving, a former pupil at Bishops Stortford High School, has represented England at Under-16, Under-19 and Under-21 level but has yet to win his first senior cap.