CHISELDON'S Jonny May has lost his place in England's squad for Sunday's crunch Six Nations encounter with Ireland in Dublin, with Exeter's Jack Nowell set to play on the left wing.

Nowell is poised to start the pivotal clash with Ireland after being preferred ahead of former Royal Wootton Bassett RFC player May in a 26-man squad retained for the showdown.

Nowell, who has overcome the shoulder and knee problems that blighted last season, will replace Gloucester's May on the left wing as reward for his strong form at Exeter.

May scored one of the finest tries seen at Twickenham against New Zealand last autumn, but his defence came under scrutiny in the 47-17 victory over Italy .

Nowell's strike-rate for England and his club Exeter is far from prolific, but his defence is solid and having played full-back in the past he is better suited to the kicking barrage Ireland are expected to unleash through half-backs Jonathan Sexton and Conor Murray.

"We've had to make some tough decisions but it's a good position to be in. Those players going back to their clubs have another big weekend ahead to lay down a marker for later in the tournament," head coach Stuart Lancaster said.

Nowell's promotion will be the only change to the starting XV unless full-back Mike Brown fails to complete the return to play protocols for concussion.

Brown was knocked unconscious following an accidental collision with Italy centre Andrea Masi and is a doubt for the potential title decider at the Aviva Stadium.

The reigning player of the Championship suffered a recurrence of symptoms last week and was forced to restart the protocols, but completed Tuesday's running session and now will progress to non-contact training.

Alex Goode is on standby to deputise and Chris Pennell is also in the squad as full-back cover if Brown fails to prove his fitness by the deadline on Friday morning when the starting XV is announced.