Charlie Hodgson flew home from England's World Cup training camp in Portugal on Friday after developing symptoms of a viral gastro-enteritis.

The Sale fly-half (pictured) left the camp to speed up his recovery and reduce the risk of the virus sweeping through the squad.

England suffered badly during the recent tour of South Africa when a serious strain of gastro-enteritis left some players hospitalised.

However, Hodgson's symptoms are not thought to be as serious and it is hoped he will be fit to return to the Algarve training camp within a few days.

The illness comes as another cruel blow for Hodgson who has only just returned to full training after suffering a serious knee injury playing for England last autumn.

The majority of the 47-man squad flew out to Portugal yesterday after spending three days in training with the Royal Marines.

Mike Tindall is continuing his rehabilitation from a broken leg in England, while Julian White has missed the trip for personal reasons.

But winger Jason Robinson, who underwent knee surgery following the South Africa tour, is taking part in selected elements of the conditioning programme in the Algarve.

Prop Andrew Sheridan is also continuing his rehabilitation programme in the Algarve as he recovers from knee ligament damage suffered in Sale's Anglo-Welsh Cup semi-final defeat to Leicester.

- Sportinglife -