Borthwick Names Training Squad Amid Itoje Uncertainty
England head coach Steve Borthwick has unveiled his training squad for the upcoming Nations Championship in July, notably excluding captain Maro Itoje. The decision comes amidst what Borthwick described as “ongoing conversations” regarding the influential lock’s participation this summer.
Borthwick had previously indicated his consideration of resting Itoje, the Saracens star, for the tournament. This potential respite follows a demanding period for the player, including a British and Irish Lions tour, a strenuous Six Nations campaign, the personal loss of his mother in November, and his club commitments.
New Talent Earns Call-Ups
The current Gallagher Premiership semi-finals have also influenced Borthwick’s selections, with players involved in this weekend’s action ineligible for the training squad. This opens the door for several uncapped talents to impress.
New inclusions feature Saracens lock Hugh Tizard, Harlequins prop Will Hobson, Sale hooker Nathan Jibulu, and Bristol tighthead George Kloska. These players will be aiming to make their mark, potentially featuring in an uncapped England XV’s fixture against a France XV in Vannes on Friday, June 19.
Injury Returns and Emerging Wingers
Elsewhere, experienced players Luke Cowan-Dickie, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, and Ellis Genge are set to join the squad at Pennyhill Park as they continue their rehabilitation from injuries. Saracens wing Tobias Elliot will also join the group, alongside Gloucester back Ben Redshaw.
England’s preparations are building towards a significant fixture against world champions South Africa in Johannesburg, followed by matches against Fiji and Argentina in Liverpool and Santiago del Estero, respectively, with just under a month until the trip.
England Training Squad
Forwards:
- Arthur Clark (Gloucester Rugby)
- Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
- Theo Dan (Saracens)
- Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)
- Ben Earl (Saracens)
- Afolabi Fasogbon (Gloucester Rugby)
- Jamie George (Saracens)
- Will Hobson (Harlequins)
- Nick Isiekwe (Saracens)
- Nathan Jibulu (Sale Sharks)
- Jack Kenningham (Harlequins)
- George Kloska (Bristol Bears)
- Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks)
- Hugh Tizard (Saracens)
Backs:
- Charlie Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby)
- Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby)
- Noah Caluori (Saracens)
- Tobias Elliott (Saracens)
- George Ford (Sale Sharks)
- Benhard Janse van Rensburg (Bristol Bears)
- Cadan Murley (Harlequins)
- Raffi Quirke (Sale Sharks)
- Harry Randall (Bristol Bears)
- Ben Redshaw (Gloucester Rugby)
- Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks)
- Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
