James Hook was set for a place on Wales' bench against England © Getty Images

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Tournaments/Tours: Six Nations

Teams: England | Wales

James Hook will miss Wales' Six Nations clash with England after failing to recover from chicken pox.

The Perpignan fly-half is replaced on the bench by the Scarlets' Stephen Jones as Wales go in search of a Triple Crown at Twickenham on Saturday.

Hook missed training with the Wales squad this week because he was unable to fly back due to the virus. Wales had hoped he would be able to join up with the squad prior to the Six Nations showdown but on Thursday evening medics ruled him out of the match.

A statement from the Welsh Rugby Union read: "Wales took the decision after medical advice that Hook was unlikely to to recover from chickenpox in time."

Earlier in the week Gatland had said: "We've spoken to James and the scabs are forming nicely. He contracted it last week. He's feeling good. It's whether he comes over on Wednesday and trains with us on Thursday or whether he flies directly into London from Perpignan on Thursday.

"We'll just see how he's feeling and what's best for him. We're lucky enough with the experience he has had. If he doesn't train with us and just meets up with the squad on Thursday in London, he'll be able to slot in to the team."