Longwell made his last international appearance in the World Cup warm-up match against Italy last August and despite being named in Eddie OSullivans squad for Australia, injury forced him to sit out the entire tournament.

He has taken the place of Munster lock Donncha OCallaghan who limped off during the first half of Sundays 36-15 victory over Wales after straining the medial ligament in his right knee.

OCallaghan should recover in time for the clash with Italy at Lansdowne Road on March 20, but until then Paul OConnell and Malcolm OKelly will form the second row with Longwell providing cover from the bench.

Otherwise, OSullivan has made no further changes to the side which humbled Wales in Dublin last weekend, with skipper Brian ODriscoll on course to continue his midfield partnership with the in-form Gordon DArcy.

The team to face England will be announced next Tuesday.

Forwards: Best, Byrne, Corrigan, Costello, Easterby, Foley, Gleeson, Hayes, Longwell, OConnell, OKelly, Sheahan.

Backs: DArcy, Dempsey, Easterby, Horgan, Howe, Humphreys, Maggs, ODriscoll (captain), OGara, Stringer.