Newcastle Falcons wing/centre Ben Stevenson is out in France this week training with England’s Rugby World Cup squad as they prepare for Sunday’s pool game against Japan.
This follows on from last week’s visit to camp of club-mate Ben Redshaw.
Vunipola returns
England powerhouse Billy Vunipola is poised for an immediate return to the XV as Steve Borthwick’s team prepares to take on Japan this weekend.
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The Saracens No8 is eligible to participate in the clash in Nice after serving his suspension for a high tackle on Andrew Porter during England’s 29-10 loss to Ireland in Dublin last month.
The 30-year-old has completed World Rugby’s tackle school initiative, which reduced his three-week suspension by one match. Consequently, he only missed the warm-up defeat to Fiji and last Saturday’s World Cup win over Argentina.
Regarding Vunipola, England defense coach Kevin Sinfield had this to say: “He is a big, powerful man, and he has got some wonderful leadership qualities. He lifts people, and once he is on the field, he gets sevens and eights out of 10 out of those people around him.”
According to RUCK sources, Vunipola is set to replace the now-suspended Tom Curry, with Ben Earl moving to the flank.
Curry could potentially face a three-match ban if the panel upholds his dismissal for a high tackle on Juan Cruz Mallia during the match against Argentina.
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Expected England line-up against Japan:
Here are RUCK’s predictions for the England squad to face Japan, in Pool D of the Rugby World Cup this Sunday.
BACK THREE
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
14. Henry Arundell (Racing 92)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby)
COMPETITION:
CENTRES
13. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby)
12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks)