England boss Eddie Jones has revealed his squad for the next Rugby World Cup could be ‘60% different’ from the one that reached the final in 2019.
“I don’t think this group can have another World Cup in them,” Jones admitted to BBC Sport.
Eddie Jones says his next Rugby World Cup squad could be “60% different” from the one that reached the final last year.
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 6, 2020
“I don’t think this group can have another World Cup in them.”
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“While there will be core members of the team who will be able to continue to the next World Cup, there will be a new influx of members coming in.
“That’s how you get the growth in the team,” Jones continued. “You have to continually look for better players and players who can add value to the team.
“We were the youngest team ever to play in a World Cup final, so if those players have the desire and want to keep working and improving then we are going to be in a good position because we are going to have a hell of a competition for spots.”
An England XV for the 2023 Rugby World Cup
This is how we have predicted it might play out…
15. Josh Hodge
- Current number of caps: 0
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 23
One of England’s most exciting upcoming talents, the fullback is built in the same mould as All Black Damian Mckenzie. Safe under the high ball and blessed with incredible pace, expect him to play a key role for Newcastle Falcons in the Championship this season before returning to the Premiership ready to make a bid for international honours.
14. Joe Cokanasiga
- Current number of caps: 9
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 25
Eddie Jones summed up what Joe Cokanasiga brings to the party when asked about his first inclusion in the England set up back in 2017. ‘He’s big and he’s fast,’ said the England coach. He’s not wrong and we expect him to be hitting his peak in 2023..
13. Joe Marchant
- Current number of caps: 3
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 27
A black belt in karate and also a former England schools finalist in gymnastics which would suggest the centre is blessed with power and poise! Has been involved in Eddie Jones’s squad in the build-up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup and is someone we’d expect to step up heading into the 2020 Six Nations and beyond.
12.Owen Farrell
- Current number of caps: 83
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 32
Will be one of the sides elder statesmen, captaining the squad at a second straight Rugby World Cup. Will be the goalkicker, allowing the talented Marcus Smith to run the show from 10.
11. Ollie Thorley
- Current number of caps: 0
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 27
A World Rugby U20 Championship winner in 2016, Thorley has pace, power and an eye for the try line. Was unlucky not to be considered for the 2019 squad but if he continues to score lots of tries and constantly improves he could be a key player for England in four years time.