England rugby LIVE: Six Nations 2023 squad confirmed by Steve Borthwick
New head coach Steve Borthwick has jettisoned veterans Billy Vunipola, Jonny May and Jack Nowell for his first squad
England’s Six Nations squad has been announced on Monday morning.
New coach Steve Borthwick has selected his 36-man group after he replaced Eddie Jones as the man in charge late last year. The bombshell news overnight is that Jones has already agreed a return to international coaching with his native Australia ahead of this year’s World Cup.
Northampton Saints fly-half Fin Smith has been handed a first call-up joining four other uncapped players in the squad – Ollie Hassell-Collins, George McGuigan, Cadan Murley and Jack Walker while Billy Vunipola, Jonny May and Jack Nowell are the big-name omissions.
Courtney Lawes returns to the squad following injury. There are also returns for Dan Cole, Ben Curry, Alex Dombrandt and Nick Isiekwe and backs Elliot Daly, Dan Kelly, Max Malins and Joe Marchant.
Meanwhile, Owen Farrell is set to be available for England’s opening game against Scotland on 4 February after the Rugby Football Union confirmed his ban for a dangerous tackle will have been deemed fully served before the tournament begins.
England Six Nations squad
Owen Farrell is set to be available for England’s opening Six Nations game against Scotland on 4 February after the Rugby Football Union confirmed his ban for a dangerous tackle will have been deemed fully served before the tournament begins.
Farrell faced a disciplinary hearing after his shoulder made contact with the head of Jack Clement in the 75th minute of Saracens’ Gallagher Premiership victory over Gloucester.
The four-match suspension would have prevented him from running out at Twickenham in Steve Borthwick’s first match in charge.
However, when announcing the ban, it was set to be reduced to three weeks if Farrell completed the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme.
England Six Nations squad
England’s Six Nations squad is set to be announced on Monday morning.
New coach Steve Borthwick is selecting his 36-man group after he replaced Eddie Jones late last year. The bombshell news overnight is that Jones has already agreed a return to international coaching with his native Australia ahead of this year’s World Cup.
Jonny May and Jack Nowell are tipped to be the major names missing from the group with the wingers with 117 caps between them expected to be left out with others preferred.
Meanwhile, Owen Farrell is set to be available for England’s opening game against Scotland on 4 February after the Rugby Football Union confirmed his ban for a dangerous tackle will have been deemed fully served before the tournament begins.
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