England head coach Eddie Jones insists Joe Marler will still be considered for future selection despite withdrawing from their Guinness Six Nations squad to be with his family during the coronavirus pandemic.

The former Sussex schoolboy was named in the 28-strong group that has gathered at St George’s Park but pulled out on Monday with the defending champions set to spend two months in their bubble environment, leaving camp only during the fallow weeks.

Jones said: “Joe has made a decision that we support.

“When he decides to make himself available again we will have another look at selection. And that’s how we look at it. No ifs or buts, it’s as clear as day.

“There will be a time in the future when he’s ready to come back and will be selected. We’ll take that when it comes.

“Joe has been an outstanding player during my time with England and I’m sure he was outstanding before that.

“He is tough, abrasive, a good defender, a great guy off the field. He’s a bit nutty, but we like that, it’s good to have characters like that in the squad.”