Matthew Stevens’ drug-related suspension has led to an England recall for Julian White.
The Leicester prop was a World Cup winner in 2003 but pulled out of the 2007 tournament to spend more time on his farm and with his family.
The 35-year-old currently has 44 international caps to his name but hasn’t played for England since the Six Nations clash with Wales in 2007.
White, who featured in all three Tests for the Lions in New Zealand four years ago, is called up from the England Saxons squad after Stevens was suspended from all competition following a positive test for what he says was a recreational drug.
The former Bristol and Canterbury Crusader joins fellow Lion Phil Vickery as the only specialist tighthead props in Martin Johnson’s Six Nations squad.
"Julian is an experienced international,” said Johnson, who was a team-mate of White’s with both Leicester and England.
“He has had time out of the England set-up but is in good form.
"He is ready to make a step back up to the senior squad."
White’s promotion to the England senior squad means a Saxons call up for young London Irish prop Alex Corbisiero.
