Bath full-back Nick Abendanon has been called into England's World Cup squad as a replacement for the injured Josh Lewsey.
Abendanon flies out to Paris to join the England squad just five days before they tackle South Africa in the World Cup final.
Lewsey was ruled out of the final today after a scan confirmed he suffered a hamstring strain in England's 14-9 victory over France last weekend.
Lewsey, 30, sustained a grade one hamstring strain just before half-time against France, having opened the scoring for England with a try just 80 seconds into the semi-final.
The Wasps winger will remain with the squad in Paris this week and is determined to do everything to help the squad prepare for the final.
‘I am absolutely gutted,’ said Lewsey.
‘Over the last four years, not just yourself but the people around you sacrifice an awful lot for you to be able to put sport first.
‘There have been some testing times over the last couple of years and to go through all that and then to miss out just as you get to the final of the World Cup is very disappointing.
‘I kept some lasting hope that it was a spasm or cramp but we went for a scan yesterday and it was clear straight away. It looks like three to five weeks out.
‘Sport can be a cruel thing but I will get behind the team. We started this on June 24 in military fatigues (on a training camp with the Royal Marines) and I am not going home yet.
‘Ultimately what matters this weekend is that England win and there will be no-one happier than me if we do it. This isn't the time for any self pity. This is the time to be positive. All that matters this week is that England win. I don't care how.
‘Like every England supporter I want England to win and I will do everything I can to help that.
‘The beauty of rugby is that it is a team sport and everyone has a role, not just those lucky enough to go on the field.
‘The guys who aren't involved have a massively important role, giving the guys support to ensure each individual who is playing on Saturday prepares as well as they can.
‘That is not an under-valued position to be in. It is about staying positive and be part of something that is gathering momentum and will hopefully get over this final hurdle on Saturday.’
Lewsey missed the quarter-final of the 2003 World Cup with a minor hamstring problem but returned to play in the semi-final win over France and the final triumph against Australia.
