Eddie Jones retains 25 players ahead of South Africa Test - Ruck

Eddie Jones retains 25 players ahead of South Africa Test

Eddie Jones has retained 25 players to continue England’s preparation for the first Test of the Quilter Internationals against South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday (KO 3pm live on Sky Sports HD).

In addition Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints) will remain in Portugal to continue his rehabilitation.

Lawes rejoined the squad in Portugal on Monday evening having returned to England for treatment on a back injury at the weekend.



Forwards coach Steve Borthwick said they were hopeful to have Lawes available for next weekend’s Test against New Zealand.

“He’s feeling positive,” said Borthwick. “He’s done plenty of work already this morning (Tuesday) and is progressing well.”

The 23-man match day squad will be announced on Thursday before returning to London.

The group includes uncapped forward trio Zach Mercer, Ben Moon and Elliott Stooke.

Forwards
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby), Jamie George (Saracens), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints) co-captain, Alec Hepburn (Exeter Chiefs), Maro Itoje (Saracens), George Kruis (Saracens), Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby), Ben Moon (Exeter Chiefs) , Brad Shields (Wasps), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), Elliott Stooke (Bath Rugby), Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs), Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons)
Backs
Chris Ashton (Sale Sharks), Danny Care (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Wasps), Owen Farrell (Saracens) co-captain, George Ford (Leicester Tigers), Jonny May (Leicester Tigers), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors), Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers).