Tom Rees set to make first appearance of season

London Wasps captain Tom Rees is set to give England manager Martin Johnson a major boost by making his long-awaited return in Saturday's match at Northampton.

The flanker, 25, has not played this season after two shoulder operations but Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks could hand a recall to his skipper for the Premiership game.

"If he comes through training tomorrow and we feel he is 100 per cent, then he'll be up for selection — and it's the first week we've been in that position this season," Hanks said.

England, like Wasps, have missed the breakdown craft of Rees, who is seen by many as a future national captain.

An injury-free end to the season should earn him a place in Johnson's squad for this summer's tour to Australia.

Lock Simon Shaw will be out for three weeks after injuring his right shoulder in Six Nations action for England against France last Saturday.

"He's done some damage to his joint," said Hanks. "Anybody else it would be season-ending but Shawsy's no normal player."