LIST | Players who should feature for England in 2021, including the successor to Billy Vunipola

Rugby News
Friday, 17 July 2020 at 22:36
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Eddie Jones has some fantastic young players gunning for a place in his England squad.

Ben Curry, Sale Sharks

Twin brother of Tom, he was called up to the senior England squad by Eddie Jones for their 2017 summer tour of Argentina, but did not make an appearance on the tour. The former England U20 captain never lets Sale down and certainly wouldn't let his country down if given the call.

Ollie Thorley, Gloucester

He made his debut for the Cherry & Whites in 2013 as a 17-year-old, partnering World Cup winner Mike Tindall in the centre of an LV= Cup match, and has since gone on to prove himself as one of the brightest talents at Kingsholm. A World Rugby U20 Championship winner in 2016, Thorley has pace, power and an eye for the try line.

Gabriel Ibitoye, Harlequins

He was called into the senior England training squad during the 2019 Six Nations and he was one of four nominees for player of the tournament at the Under-20 World Championship. The powerful, quick wing is stocky with a low centre of gravity, a devastating turn of pace and electric feet. This is also looking like it could be his breakthrough campaign for him at Harlequins.

Joel Kpoku, Saracens

The 6ft 4in 21-year-old was a rugby league player in his youth but switched to the 15-man code at under-17 level and has made swift strides since signing for the Saracens academy. He has joined an impressive production line that has developed George Kruis, Maro Itoje and Nick Isiekwe into senior England players, and looks set to become a key player for Sarries moving forward.

Ruan Ackermann, Gloucester

His Dad Johan Ackermann, who departed as Gloucester boss for Japan earlier this month, confirmed that his son will be staying with the Cherry & Whites to persue international honours, and has already been in contact with Eddie Jones. The imposing number eight qualify for England on residency grounds in August 2020 -- just four months before World Rugby's new eligibility laws kick in.

Jason Woodward, Gloucester

The New Zealand‑born full-back who joined Gloucester from Bristol in the summer has already been included in an England training squad. With Eddie Jones revealing he is looking for competition for George Furbank at full-back, Woodward could find himself winning his first full cap at some point in the future.

Ratu Naulago, Bristol Bears

The speedster took Super League by storm with Hull RFC, scoring 17 tries in 26 games, before signing with Bristol Bears for the 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership season. It will be a switch back to union for Naulago, who previously won the Premiership 7s title with Saracens. If he can hit the ground running, he'd be right in the frame for a call-up from Eddie Jones.

Cameron Redpath, Bath

The son of 60-cap Scotland legend Bryan Redpath, centre Cameron was born in Narbonne, France. He was selected in England's 34-man squad for their 2018 tour of South Africa but was unable to travel with the squad because of injury. The 20-year-old, who recently departed Sale Sharks for Bath Rugby, has also represented England U20, scoring three tries in nine appearances.

Alex Dombrandt, Harlequins

He is the natural successor to Billy Vunipola, or someone who can play alongside him. I would hope he has three years now before a World Cup to get into the team. There are not many better in the game at the moment at doing what he does. A future international star for sure.

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