Northampton wing Cohen and Saints hooker Thompson have both opted to rest in preparation for next season.

The pair, who boast exactly 100 caps between them, are set to join a prominent list of absentees Down Under when England face Australia in Sydney on June 10 and Melbourne a week later.

Wasps back Josh Lewsey and his club colleague, lock Simon Shaw, could also miss the trip, with England captain Martin Corry another possible non-starter as head coach Andy Robinson identifies those players requiring essential rest and recuperation.

Northampton centre Jon Clarke, meanwhile, is remaining at home to undergo a hernia operation that will require eight weeks rehabilitation.

Clarke, who represented England A this term, would have been a strong midfield contender for the Australia trip.

The injury has been troubling me on and off, and I just dont want it to worry me next season, he said. I should be back fresh for pre-season.

Elsewhere, Saints say hooker Dylan Hartley will not be considered for Englands Under-21 World Cup campaign in France next month due to a back injury that is currently being assessed by a consultant.