Flood, who is one of seven players who have been released back to their clubs, was expected to be England’s premier number ten during the tournament following the retirement of veteran fly-half Jonny Wilkinson after the World Cup.

But the emergence of Saracens stand-off Owen Farrell and the return to form and favour of Charlie Hodgson has seen Flood appear on the replacements’ bench just once for England during this year’s tournament.

England number eight Phil Dowson, who was a replacement against France in Paris and was knocked out in the closing stages, retains his place in the squad, while David Strettle and Charlie Sharples are expected to battle it out for a position on the wing against Ireland at Twickenham.

Karl Dickson, Calum Clark, Joe Launchbury, Lee Mears, Jordan Turner-Hall and Thomas Waldrom have also rejoined their clubs.