England head coach Eddie Jones confirmed which lucky players will start the opening test of the summer this morning – but also revealed one unlucky player would be heading home.
Bristol Bears uncapped loose forward Sam Jeffries has now been called up to replace second row Charlie Ewels who has been ruled out of the tour after suffering a knee injury.
In a statement, the RFU revealed: “Charlie Ewels suffered a knee injury on Wednesday which has ruled him out of England’s tour of Australia.
“He will return home for further assessment. Sam Jeffries has been called up to the squad and will travel to Perth ahead of England’s first test against Australia on Saturday 2nd July.”
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Jones said:
“We have had very strong preparation for this game,””
We did some good recovery work in Fremantle and quality training in Perth. The squad has come together well since we met up last week.
“Picking the 23 out of this group of 36 was difficult. We feel we have a well-balanced team which is ready for this improving Australia team. We’ll take it to them from the start.”
What TV channel are the games on?
The three Tests will be shown live on Sky Sports or NOW TV in the UK.
England team to play Australia
England starting XV: F Steward (Leicester, 10 caps); J Nowell (Exeter, 39 caps), J Marchant (Harlequins, 12 caps), O Farrell,(Saracens, 94 caps), J Cokanasiga (Bath, 11 caps); M Smith (Harlequins, 10 caps), D Care (Harlequins, 84 caps); E Genge (Leicester, 36 caps), J George (Saracens, 66 caps), W Stuart (Bath, 20 caps), M Itoje (Saracens, 56 caps), J Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 12 caps), C Lawes (C) (Northampton, 93 caps), T Curry (Sale, 40 caps), B Vunipola (Saracens, 61 caps),
Replacements: L Cowan-Dickie (Exeter, 34 caps), M Vunipola (Saracens, 67 caps), J Heyes (Leicester, 2 caps), O Chessum (Leicester, 2 caps), L Ludlam (Northampton, 11 caps), J van Poortvliet (Leicester, uncapped), G Porter (Leicester, uncapped), H Arundell (London Irish, uncapped).
England players wives and girlfriend arrive in Australia
A number of England internationals wives and girlfriends have arrived in Australia ahead of the mens three-match series against the Wallabies.
#1. Hollie Shearer – Girlfriend of Joe Marchant
The daughter of the all-time Premier League top goalscorer and England legend Alan, has confirmed she is dating Harlequins and England centre earlier this year.
The 25-year old singer has shared numerous shots with the popular speedster, who has represented his country four times.
Photos shared across social media suggest Hollie’s relationship with the 26-year-old is still in its early stages.