Mike Tindall has been ruled out of Saturday's Six Nations opener against Italy at Twickenham because of a back injury with Jamie Noon being handed a starting place at centre instead.

Noon was left out of the original matchday 22, but returned to the squad on Thursday after Tindall was hurt during a weight-training session.

He has gone straight into the starting line-up with Mathew Tait remaining on the replacements' bench.

Tindall's injury is the second change to coach Martin Johnson's original starting XV after scrum-half Harry Ellis was called up from the Saxons to replace Danny Care, who slipped on ice and damaged ankle ligaments.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP