On Monday, it is expected that Zach Mercer and Danny Care will be included in England’s initial World Cup training squad as Steve Borthwick commences preparations at Pennyhill Park.
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According to The Telegraph, Mercer, who recently moved from Montpellier to Gloucester, will be integrated into a group of approximately 30 players at the earliest opportunity.
This opportunity will allow him to end a nearly five-year wait since his last international cap. The 26-year-old back-rower last represented England in 2018, participating in two autumn internationals against South Africa and Japan.
Mercer’s final match for Montpellier took place on May 13 against La Rochelle, granting him a four-week rest before joining the England squad.
The Premiership players, who will enjoy a five-week break, have created an opening for Danny Care.
The England squad will be joined by players from Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers on June 19, following their elimination in the Premiership semi-finals.
However, players from Saracens and Sale Sharks, who competed in the final, will not be eligible to join the squad until the end of this month. This delay is due to the two-week gap between the play-offs.
“Tough phone calls” – Steve Borthwick leaves out major stars for the 2023 World Cup
England head coach Steve Borthwick has had some tough cals to make ahead of confirming his training squad ahead of the 2023 World Cup tomorrow.
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#1. Jonny May
Age: 32
Position: Winger
Caps: 72
The Gloucester speedster, who is England’s second top try-scorer of all-time with 35, was another veteran who was unceremoniously axed by Borthwick.
With injury problems becoming more and more frequent, May won’t be included in England’s 2023 World Cup squad.
A poor season with Gloucester ended any hopes of an England recall, scoring five tries in 22 outings for his club
DID YOU KNOW? studied at Hartpury College, where he was a member of Hartpury College R.F.C., coached by Allan Lewis in a team that included future Wales and Lions wing Alex Cuthbert
