CHRIS Pennell has been included in England’s 26-man squad for Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations clash against Ireland after Mike Brown was ruled out with concussion.

The Worcester Warriors full-back has been training with the national side since the beginning of this week but has been retained following Brown’s omission.

Harlequins’ Brown has suffered a setback in his recovery after being knocked unconscious in the 47-17 victory Italy earlier this month.

Although Alex Goode is likely to deputise at the Aviva Stadium, Pennell is being given his chance to prove his worth.

Head coach Stuart Lancaster said: “Chris Pennell is in camp for the first time since last summer so we are taking this opportunity for him to spend some additional time with us as Worcester have no Greene King IPA Championship game this weekend.

“Preparation has gone well and we’ve had a good build-up so far. The guys who played against Wales and Italy did really well and the good thing is that others who are now fit are pushing hard.”

Lancaster added: “We’ve had to make some tough decisions but it’s a good position to be in. Those players going back to their clubs have another big weekend ahead to lay down a marker for later in the tournament.”

Meanwhile, Quins have signed former Worcester back row Netani Talei for the remainder of this season. The 31-year-old Fijian internationalmwas at Sixways between 2007 and 2010.

Talei spent three years with Edinburgh after leaving Warriors and was last with Newport Gwent Dragons.