England head coach Eddie Jones, renowned for his impassioned coaching approach, has announced the Japanese squad for their upcoming summer Tests.
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The opening match is set against England at Tokyo’s National Stadium on 22 June.
This encounter represents Jones’ first major challenge since his return to Japan, following a challenging tenure with Australia’s national team.
Reflecting on his experience with England, Jones acknowledged their strengths. “England will bring a robust kicking game and a strong set-piece,” he remarked.
Eddie Jones, Head Coach of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
"It's going to be a great challenge for us to play against them, and we're going to have to play really well."
Despite the formidable task, Jones remains hopeful. “On a hot day in Tokyo, anything can happen.”
Following the match against England, Japan will face the Maori All Blacks in two fixtures. July will see them host games against Georgia and Italy.
Jones has introduced 12 new players to his 35-man squad, while also including seasoned veteran Michael Leitch, aged 35.
Five players who will never play for England again under Steve Borthwick
We've identified five England players who, for various reasons, appear unlikely to make a return under current head coach Steve Borthwick.
Notably, former captain Owen Farrell is not among them, as we believe his two-year contract with Racing 92 leaves the door open for his potential return to the international team.
#1. Ollie Hassell-Collins
The Leicester Tigers winger, who was given his debut by Borthwick in 2023, has expressed his willingness to potentially represent Wales in 2026.
Despite earning two caps for England during last year's Six Nations, the 25-year-old hasn't been included in Steve Borthwick's squad since then. Notably, he was absent from England A's recent triumph over Portugal.
Ahead of this year's Six Nations, Gatland had mentioned Hassell-Collins several times, especially during the discussion surrounding another dual-qualified winger, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.
“I have seen Gatland’s interview,” Hassell-Collins told the Telegraph.
“I’ve got two caps for England, and obviously I’m English. But if I don’t see anything in the next few years then it’s definitely something that I would consider.
“I would qualify [for Wales] the year of the World Cup – that is, if he still wants me. Wales is still part of who I am.
“My grandma was Welsh and I still have family over there. It’s still a part of me – and I’d never turn it down – but for now it’s England for me.”
#2. Zach Mercer
Mercer, who was named player of the year in the French league during Montpellier’s championship-winning season in 2022, has struggled to secure a consistent place in Borthwick’s national squad.
The Gloucester No. 8, previously omitted from the Six Nations squad, has once again been left out of the group of 19 players set to gather this week before the summer Tests in Japan and New Zealand.
Instead, uncapped Exeter star Greg Fisilau has been included, pushing Mercer down to fifth in the pecking order for English No. 8s.
Zach Mercer of Gloucester Rugby during the Challenge Cup Final Match between Gloucester Rugby and Hollywoodbets Sharks at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 24 May 2024. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
In an exclusive interview with RugbyPass, RFU director of rugby performance Conor O’Shea hinted that the focus is on the future, specifically under-20 players, rather than Zach Mercer.
O’Shea emphasised the need to balance experience with youth, stating that squads are chosen to field the strongest team for each match. This suggests that Borthwick views Mercer as less competitive than other experienced back-rowers and believes younger, less experienced players will benefit more from the opportunity.
O’Shea was understandably cautious in his remarks, providing what many might consider political answers. However, it seems clear that Mercer is unlikely to don an England shirt in the near future.
“There would be players that Steve might pick tomorrow that would be ahead of some of the players that are potentially there now, and it’s getting that balance” O’Shea said.
“We said this right from the start about young players popping out of the U20s that we want to keep that connection amongst them as well as the senior players and it’s getting that balance. Listen, it’s a massive honour to play for your country at any level and this is a big Test match against Portugal, but we are trying to balance.
“You could look across and say there are a number of players, ‘Should they be in?’ Every position has been discussed with what’s right for this particular game as opposed to what would be happening if you were running out into the Six Nations, plus making sure we have the strongest type of team available.
“That’s the rationale behind some of the selections. And Steve has spoken to a couple of players who might think, ‘Are we second in, are we third in the team and we’re not in this’ and he has spoken to them.”
Current number 8 pecking order
- 6. Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons)
- 5. Zach Mercer (Gloucester Rugby)
- 4. Alfie Barbeary (Bath Rugby)
- 3. Greg Fisilau (Exeter Chiefs)
- 2. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)
- 1. Ben Earl (Saracens)
#3. Billy Vunipola
A summer switch to Montpellier is set to end his international career with England. However, with Australia set to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Vunipola could return to international rugby with the Wallabies.
Players are eligible to represent the nations of their birth after a three-year stand-down period, and Vunipola, who was born in Sydney, fits this criteria.
Having already earned 75 caps for England since his debut in 2013, Vunipola has been a key figure in England's recent World Cup campaigns, including the 2019 final and the third-place finish in the 2023 tournament in France.
Vunipola's last appearance for England was during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, meaning he would be eligible to play for the Wallabies in 2026, when he will be 34 years old. Despite concerns about his age, Vunipola's upcoming move to France could provide him with the opportunity to rejuvenate his career.
The trend of players finding success in their later years after moving to France for reduced schedules and warmer climates is well-documented, with examples such as England's Jonny Wilkinson, who went on to win multiple European Cups with Toulon.
#4. Jonny Hill
A favourite of Eddie Jones, the Sale Sharks has lost his place on the England squad due to the emergence of Leicester Tigers’ Ollie Chessum and George Martin.
Fun fact: Hill is the nephew of former Rugby league international Paul Loughlin.
Jonny Hill of England during the Match between England and Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium on 19 June 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
#5. Manu Tuilagi
The 32-year-old centre bids farewell to Sale Sharks, set to join Top 14 outfit Bayonne on a two-year contract this summer.
His 60th appearance in England's Six Nations defeat to France in March marked the end of a 13-year international stint post his naturalization from Samoa.
RFU regulations dictate that departing Premiership players lose their shot at international selection.
Manu said: "It's a tough one because you still want to play [for England] but I've learned that what you want, you don't always get. I think I'll miss it, but now I'll be a fan.
"The last two games of the Six Nations, Ireland then going to France, taking it right to the wire - it's exciting. I am excited to see the boys keep that growth going,
Manu Tuilagi of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK
"I think there is so much growth in that team. As a fan I am so excited."
While it's a long shot, should the powerhouse centre still be at it in 2027, the then 36-year-old could switch allegiance to his native Samoa for the grand tournament.
Born with the name Manusamoa, he pays tribute to the Samoan national team, Manu Sa
