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Leicester Tigers centre Manu Tuilagi has been named in a 33-man England training squad
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Tuilagi last played for England in 2014 and has been out for 15 months with groin and hamstring problems
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Dave Ewers has also been added to the group that is preparing for the Six Nations game with Wales at Twickenham
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Luther Burrell misses out after replacing injured Ollie Devoto last week
Manu Tuilagi and Dave Ewers have been added to England’s training squad for the Six Nations game against Wales next week.
The dominant pair have been included in a 33-strong group who will prepare in Bath for the potential title decider at Twickenham on 12 March.
Tuilagi has scored 11 tries in 25 England appearances, but his career has been affected by off-field disciplinary problems, including jumping into Auckland harbour during the 2011 World Cup.
The Samoa-born 24-year-old was ruled out of the 2015 World Cup after he pleaded guilty to assaulting two female police officers, although he later said he had “owned up to what I’ve not done”.
He returned to action for his club side Leicester in January but picked up a hamstring injury in his third game back, further delaying his international comeback.
The uncapped Ewers has also been a long-term injury absentee but returned to club action for the Exeter Chiefs against Bath at the weekend.
The back-row forward is unlikely to feature against Wales but his presence at training will add an extra competitive edge as England
Meanwhile, Luther Burrell, who was called up as a replacement for the injured Ollie Devoto, drops out.
Leicester team-mate Jean de Villiers says England are “better off” with the centre in the squad but believes Tuilagi should not be rushed back by head coach Eddie Jones.
“I can understand Eddie Jones would want to get him involved as soon as possible, but you have to make sure the short-term goals won’t halt long-term progress,” the former South Africa captain told BBC Radio 5 live.
“He needs to be playing international rugby for another ten years, so you need to make the right decisions now.”
De Villiers added: “Whether he starts or you bring him on for 20 minutes, he will make a big impact and England are better off.
“The balance of the side is so much better with someone like him there.”
England squad
Forwards: Kieran Brookes (Northampton Saints), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs), Jack Clifford (Harlequins), Dave Ewers (Exeter Chiefs), Jamie George (Saracens), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), James Haskell (Wasps), Paul Hill (Northampton Saints), Maro Itoje (Saracens), George Kruis (Saracens), Matt Kvesic (Gloucester Rugby), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Matt Mullan (Wasps), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Mako Vunipola (Saracens).
Backs: Mike Brown (Harlequins), Danny Care (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Wasps), Owen Farrell (Saracens),George Ford (Bath Rugby), Alex Goode (Saracens), Sam Hill (Exeter Chiefs), Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath Rugby), Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby), Marland Yarde (Harlequins), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers).