British and Irish Lions

The Sale Sharks fly-half is still recovering from a knee cartilage operation after being injured during his club's European Cup game against Leinster last month.

And it could not have happened at a worse time, given that he would have headed the queue to replace World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson, who was ruled out of the tournament because of a shoulder problem.

"Charlie's knee is improving now after his cartilage operation, but I think we are still about a month away," said Sharks coach Jim Mallinder.

England have three RBS 6 Nations games next month - against Ireland, Wales and France - and conclude their campaign in Paris on March 27.

In the absence of Wilkinson and Hodgson, Northampton's Paul Grayson has reclaimed the England number 10 jersey.

He produced outstanding performances in the away wins against Italy and Scotland, collecting 35 points to move him within eight of 400 for his country.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.

Tom Youngs has enjoyed a remarkable rise to the top of the British & Irish game but he won't be resting on his laurels ahead of his first Lions adventure.

See how Stuart Hogg and Adam Jones got on when they went out to have dinner at home with the Joneses of Pontypridd as part of the 'Host the Pride' community programme instigated by British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland.