KINGSCLERE rugby star Tom Croft has been called up to the England squad ahead of the Six Nations.

The 29-year-old flanker, has been called into England’s senior training squad as injury cover for Tom Wood, who picked up a knee injury playing for Northampton at the weekend.

Croft has been beset by injuries in recent years, making just eight appearances for club side Leicester Tigers in the last 18 months due to knee, neck and shoulder problems.

He last played for England almost two years ago, but has represented his country on 38 occasions and also boasts five Lions caps.

Croft is out of contract at Leicester in the summer but has been a regular in the side since the turn of the year, playing in their last three games.