During the past couple of England campaigns, Eddie Jones has made some sweeping changes to the national side.
Bringing in the likes of Marcus Smith and Freddie Steward, and dropping experienced internationals Billy Vunipola, George Ford, and others.
Certain players have found themselves jumping back from the disappointment of losing their place with a terrific run of form. Elliot Daly, George Ford, and Jamie George found themselves back in the squad for this year’s six nations, after a few injuries paved the way back for them.
Today Eddie Jones has announced his squad for a three-day training camp in London ahead of their test matches against the Barbarians and Australia later this summer.
One player who has not been included in the England side since last year is 67 cap, Mako Vunipola. After playing in his third British and Irish Lions tour last year, it was somewhat surprising that he was left out of the England squad.
The door is clearly still open for Mako Vunipola though as he’s been included in the 36 player squad below:
SQUAD
Forwards
Alfie Barbeary (Wasps, uncapped), Jamie Blamire, Ollie Chessum, Tom Curry, Nic Dolly (Leicester Tigers, 1 cap), Alex Dombrandt, Charlie Ewels, Ellis Genge, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, George McGuigan (Newcastle Falcons, uncapped), Tom Pearson (London Irish, uncapped), Bevan Rodd, Will Stuart, Sam Underhill, Mako Vunipola, Jack Willis
Backs
Henry Arundell (London Irish, uncapped), Orlando Bailey (Bath Rugby, uncapped), Joe Cokanasiga, Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, uncapped), Owen Farrell, Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, uncapped), George Furbank, Will Joseph (London Irish, uncapped), Louis Lynagh (Harlequins, uncapped), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 1 cap), Harry Randall, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Manu Tuilagi, Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, uncapped), Anthony Watson
With 10 uncapped players in this squad, Eddie once again is using this time to look at the potential of young players as the 2023 rugby world cup is just over a year away.
Henry Arundell in particular is an exciting prospect for many, with some searing performances for London Irish in recent times. The 19-year-old was able to qualify for all the British and Irish nations.
A clear indication of Eddie Jones’ intention to include Arundell moving forwards.
Also big returns for England legends Owen Farrell and Anthony Watson after a long layoff with injury.
Big Joe Cokanasiga has also had a turbulent time with injuries over the past few years, but after impressing massively in last year’s England matches against the USA and Canada, he finds himself back in the fold once again.
It’s important to remember that this is just a training camp squad, not the actual tour squad.
Not to say this doesn’t give a very good impression of the players that Eddie Jones will be looking at moving forwards.
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