Eddie Jones has named his England squad to contest the Autumn Nations Series this November.
The 36-player squad will meet on Monday for a five-day training camp in Jersey. They will then return to the Honda England Rugby Performance Centre at Pennyhill Park, ahead of their first game against Argentina on Sunday 6 November.
There is a first call-up for Harlequins’ Cadan Murley, with the wing having previously represented England at U18 and U20s level. Elsewhere Val Rapava Ruskin, Raffi Quirke and Kyle Sinckler return to the squad, whilst Owen Farrell (97) and Courtney Lawes (96) could both reach 100 Test caps for England during the Autumn Nations Series.
After their Argentina opener, England host Japan on Saturday 12 November (KO 3.15pm) before taking on New Zealand (Saturday 19 November – KO 5.30pm) and lastly world champions South Africa (Saturday 26 November – KO 5.30pm).
“This is a very strong, vibrant squad and a number of good players have been left out. We are pleased with the depth and the strength of the squad,” said Jones.
“The autumn internationals will be like a mini Rugby World Cup for us, starting with two tough games against Argentina and Japan which mirrors our Pool fixtures at next year’s tournament. Then we’ll have knock out type games against New Zealand and South Africa – all four games will be great tests for us.
“In Jersey we’ll start the week with Misogi activity where the players will find out about themselves and each other. Then we’ll rip into training for the rest of the week, so the team can come together on and off the pitch.
“We’re very pleased to be going back to Jersey and to a good Championship club in Jersey Reds who are very supportive of us and of the local rugby community. We’ve been made to feel very welcome there and look forward to our return.”
Danny Kerry MBE has joined the England staff as training coordinator. Kerry previously spent 17 years at Great Britain Hockey, where he was the most successful coach in their history – including leading Team GB’s women’s field hockey to a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Joe Lewis will move to a full-time senior analyst role, working closely with forwards coaches Richard Cockerill and Matt Proudfoot.
Jones said: “I’ve known Danny for a long time and his depth and breadth of coaching knowledge will be a real asset to us as staff as we work towards becoming the best coaching team in the world. Joe will move back to an analyst role where he has a real impact and suits his strengths and skills.”
Forwards
Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
George McGuigan (Newcastle Falcons, uncapped)
Val Rapava Ruskin (Gloucester Rugby, uncapped)
David Ribbans (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
Hugh Tizard (Saracens, uncapped)
Backs
Cadan Murley (Harlequins, uncapped)
Unavailable for selection due to injury: Alfie Barbeary, Ollie Chessum, Nic Dolly, Alex Dombrandt, Charlie Ewels, George Ford, Tommy Freeman, Jamie George, Sam Jeffries, Nick Isiekwe, Harry Randall, Will Stuart, Sam Underhill, Jack Walker.
