London Irish lock Nick Kennedy became the latest player to be added to England's injury-hit squad ahead of the upcoming Test against Australia as the uncapped Richard Blaze was told to stay with his club.

Sunday's announcement by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) came a day after Leicester lock Blaze was ruled out of the Tigers' Premiership win over Northampton before kick off with a recurrence of a foot injury.

"The England medical team have been in touch with Leicester about Richard Blaze's foot injury that prevented him playing in yesterday's (Saturday's) match against Northampton," the RFU statement said.

"It has been agreed that, while Richard continues to be part of the England squad, he will remain at the club where the injury will be monitored regularly by Leicester's medical team.

"Further announcements will be made on Richard Blaze's injury at the appropriate time."

Blaze, who had two pins inserted in his right foot during a pre-season operation on a stress fracture, now looks unlikely to make a Test debut during any of England's encounters at Twickenham this month against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.

There were many who were surprised by England manager Martin Johnson's decision to omit the seven-times capped Kennedy, regarded as the best lineout jumper in the Premiership, from his original squad.

Injuries have left Johnson, himself a former lock, without several first choice players, including an entire front row as well as full-back Delon Armitage and Riki Flutey.

Johnson, England's 2003 World Cup-winning captain, is due to announce on Tuesday his matchday 22 for the November 7 Twickenham Test against Australia.

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