WARMINSTER-BASED Semesa Rokoduguni has been called up to England's World Cup training squad after the withdrawal of winger David Strettle.

Strettle, who won the Aviva Premiership title with Saracens last month, has signed with French Top 14 side Clermont Auvergne for next season and was named in head coach Stuart Lancaster's training squad before his move to France was announced.

England have a staunch policy of overlooking foreign-based stars, save for the "exceptional circumstances" clause that has never been invoked.

After Strettle's withdrawal and the call-up of Bath's Rokoduguni, Lancaster said: "Clearly a lot has been going on with David recently with the late interest from Clermont and his decision to leave Saracens.

"After visiting France recently and discussing it with his family he has made the decision to move early to get settled before the season in France starts.

"Obviously it is disappointing but David and I have chatted and he feels that, having made the move, he wants to get on with forging his new career and we both agreed it was the best course of action for him to withdraw from the squad.

"We all wish David and his family well in France as they begin a new chapter in their lives.

"I will bring in Semesa Rokoduguni, who was very unlucky not to be included in the first instance, and is now looking forward to joining up with the rest of the players. Roko is currently in Fiji but he will be with us as soon as possible."

Rokoduguni, a serving soldier, made his first England appearance against New Zealand in November 2014.

"I'm delighted to have been given the opportunity to join England for their World Cup training camp," he said.

"It's a huge privilege and I'm really looking forward to meeting up with the boys."