Injured Carson ruled out of Women's Six Nations

England prop Mackenzie Carson has been ruled out of the rest of their Women's Six Nations campaign with an ankle injury.

The 26-year-old Gloucester-Hartpury player suffered the injury during the first half of the 67-12 thrashing of Wales on 29 March.

No timeframe has been given for Carson's return, but it is understood that she will not require surgery and should still be fit for the World Cup which starts in August.

Uncapped Bristol Bears prop Simi Pam retains her place in the squad as the Red Roses prepare to play Ireland in Cork on Saturday.

England are top of the Six Nations table after convincing wins over Italy and Wales, while second-placed France are also unbeaten.

The defending champions will also be without Leicester lock Charlotte Fray, who has also been released from the squad because of a shoulder injury, while Gloucester-Hartpury lock Sarah Beckett has returned to her club for further treatment for a back injury.

However, Gloucester-Hartpury's Alex Matthews has completed her ban for a dangerous tackle in the Premiership Women's Rugby final, and is available for selection in the Six Nations for the first time.

She will be competing for her place in the squad with Exeter Chiefs' Maddie Feaunati who has impressed in the number eight shirt in Matthews' absence.

England squad for Ireland (Saturday 12 April)

Forwards

Zoe Aldcroft, Lark Atkin-Davies, Sarah Bern, Hannah Botterman, Georgia Brock, Abi Burton, May Campbell, Kelsey Clifford, Amy Cokayne, Maddie Feaunati, Rosie Galligan, Lilli Ives Campion, Sadia Kabeya, Alex Matthews, Maud Muir, Marlie Packer, Simi Pam, Morwenna Talling, Abbie Ward.

Backs

Holly Aitchison, Jess Breach, Abby Dow, Zoe Harrison, Tatyana Heard, Natasha Hunt, Megan Jones, Ellie Kildunne, Claudia MacDonald, Lucy Packer, Helena Rowland, Emily Scarratt, Jade Shekells, Emma Sing, Mia Venner, Ella Wyrwas.