Abendanon called in as England lose Brown & Barritt

England have called up Bath's Nick Abendanon after they lost fullback Mike Brown for the rest of the tour of South Africa and centre Brad Barritt for the second test against the Springboks in Johannesburg.

Brown suffered a fracture and ligament damage to his right thumb during Saturday's 1st Test against South Africa in Durban and will return to England later this week for further medical consultation.

Fullback Brown suffered the tour ending injury whilst tackling Springbok captain Jean de Villiers who went on to score a try.

Abendanon is currently in Johannesburg after the wedding of former Bath Rugby team-mate Pieter Dixon and England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: "Firstly, our best wishes to Mike."

"He did really well on Saturday and is very disappointed to be out of the tour but he must remember he has had a fantastic season and should be rightly proud of all that he has achieved."

"Nick is next in line from the Saxons and the fact that he is already here and can slot straight into training is a bonus."

Meanwhile, the RFU Brad Barritt underwent minor surgery on Sunday morning to repair a tear to his left eyeball sustained on Saturday.

Barritt will remain, out of hospital, in Durban to recover and is expected to join up with the tour party in Johannesburg at the end of the week but the RFU said on their Twitter account that Barritt was out of the second Test.

In a press release Lancaster added,"Brad again put his body on the line for the team and we are hopeful he will be able to take a further part in the tour. "

"Our medics and the ophthalmologist who treated Brad were fantastic and they deserve a lot of credit for their swift and expert response to this unfortunate injury."

Barritt is expected resume training the week after the second test and should be available for the third game in Port Elizabeth on June 23.

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