Ahead of the highly anticipated 2023 World Cup, Steve Borthwick, the head coach of England’s national team, has encountered some setbacks.
Several players have declined the opportunity to be called up, rejecting the chance to represent their country on the grand stage of the tournament.
Despite these challenges, Borthwick remains determined to assemble a formidable squad for the upcoming competition.
In light of this, he has recently unveiled a preliminary group of 28 players who will embark on the rigorous preparations required to excel in France. With this group, Borthwick aims to mold a cohesive and talented team that will represent England with pride and ambition in the World Cup.
The training squad, excluding individuals from Gallagher Premiership semi-finalists Leicester Tigers, Northampton Saints, Sale Sharks, and Saracens, convened at Pennyhill Park on Sunday, while further preparations were initiated in Bagshot on Monday, June 12, for the Rugby World Cup scheduled to kick off in September 2023.
“We are excited to get into camp and begin the first phase of our preparations,” said Borthwick. “The World Cup is full of top quality teams and high quality players, and we’re relishing the challenge in front of us. That all starts today at Pennyhill Park.
“We have lots to get through before our first summer series fixture in August against Wales in Cardiff, so the hard work starts now. We are looking forward to it.”
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#1. Sam Simmonds
The number 8 has opted out of contention for England’s Rugby World Cup training squad as he prepares to join Montpellier.
Head coach Steve Borthwick has announced a preliminary group of 28 players to commence preparations for the upcoming tournament in France.
Despite not having played under Borthwick before, the former Exeter No 8 engaged in open discussions with the coach and subsequently made himself unavailable for selection in the training squad of 28 players, according to The Telegraph..
