Woodward eyes Yates for England recall

England manager Clive Woodward has opened the door on a national recall for returning prop Kevin Yates.

The former Bath front-row left the country in disgrace two seasons ago after being handed a six-month ban for ear-biting.

Despite his protestations to the contrary, the Rugby Football Union found Yates guilty of biting Simon Fenn's ear during a cup tie with London Scottish in 1998, which seemed to end Yates' career.

However, a two-year stint in New Zealand with Super 12 side Wellington Hurricanes has rekindled the 28-year-old's enthusiasm and - to Woodward's delight - he will return to the Premiership next season with Sale.

"It is brilliant news," said the England manager. "I know Kevin from my days as coach at Bath and I like him a lot.

"There is a lot of competition for the loose-head berth but once I have seen him play, he will be right back in contention."

Yates will have a chance to put pressure on the likes of Graham Rowntree and Trevor Woodman in the battle to be Jason Leonard's natural successor.

But he will be a frustrated spectator at home when Woodward's fledgling side take on Canada in the first Test at Fletchers Fields on Saturday.