Steve Borthwick will confirm his England 2023 Rugby World Cup squad this morning with a number of shock selections expected.
It had already been revealed yesterday that experienced centre Henry Slade has been left out of the group heading to France.
The squad is made up of 19 forwards and 14 backs, totals over 1,400 England appearances, with an average age of 27. 17 players have previous Rugby World Cup experience.
Ben Youngs, Dan Cole, and Courtney Lawes will compete in their fourth Rugby World Cup. Youngs is England men’s most capped player with 122 appearances.
Theo Dan is included having won his first cap against Wales on Saturday in Cardiff, whilst 20-year old wing Henry Arundell is the youngest member of the squad.
BORTHWICK SAID:
“Rugby World Cups involve unique challenges in terms of the demands on players, the need for squad flexibility and the limited number of squad places available,” said Borthwick. “France 2023 is no different, but I am confident we have selected a squad of 33 that is able to meet those challenges and leave us best placed to be at our most competitive in this exciting tournament.
“There have been a number of very difficult selection decisions to make, given the quality of our wider training squad. Some very good players have missed out on selection such has been the competition for places over the last eight weeks and more of preparation.
“As Saturday’s game in Cardiff proved, we have a series of demanding Test matches through August as we continue that preparation towards our opening Rugby World Cup pool game against an in-form Argentina side.”
On announcing his squad in early August, Borthwick added: “We believe that announcing the squad a little earlier than otherwise might have been the case, brings a clarity and certainty to the group, allowing the players as much time as possible to settle and develop as a squad.”
England face Wales (12 August), Ireland (19 August) and Fiji (26 August) in the Summer Nations Series before the Rugby World Cup starts.
“We look forward to welcoming Wales to Twickenham this weekend. There can be no doubt that it will be another hard-fought encounter in front of our home support.”
England 2023 Rugby World Cup squad:
Forwards
Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 9 caps)
Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 100 caps)***
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 45 caps)*
Theo Dan (Saracens, 1 cap)
Ben Earl (Saracens, 15 caps)
Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 49 caps)*
Jamie George (Saracens, 77 caps)**
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 67 caps)*
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 97 caps)***
Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 20 caps)*
Joe Marler (Harlequins, 79 caps)**
George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps)
David Ribbans (Toulon, 6 caps)
Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 3 caps)
Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 62 caps)*
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 26 caps)
Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 68 caps) **
Jack Walker (Harlequins, 3 caps)
Jack Willis (Toulouse, 10 caps)