Ben Youngs’ position in the England Test team is uncertain following his exclusion from the lineup for the upcoming Six Nations match against Italy.
Despite this setback, Kevin Sinfield has dismissed the notion that this marks the end of Youngs’ international rugby career.
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Those dropped the squad includes Ben Curry, Joe Heyes, Jonny Hill, Bevan Rodd, Sam Simmonds, Ben Youngs and Anthony Watson.
“Just because a player has left camp to go home doesn’t mean they’re been discarded,” Sinfield said.
“They are a massive part of what we are trying to do and they have been outstanding in training. It’s just a side that we have picked based on the opposition and one that we think will give us the best chance of winning.
“The change from last week has not been performance related, it’s to do with the threat that Italy pose and the way we want to play.”
Sinfield added: “I have only had three sessions with Henry and four with Jack, so my knowledge is going purely off what I have seen in training, but they are both outstanding individuals,”
“Henry is super talented and very, very gifted as a rugby player. Jack has really impressed me. He is really determined in how he goes about his business.
“He is very professional. His commitment has been outstanding in jumping on a plane and getting backwards and forwards from France. Both great additions to the squad.”
COMPETITION
Forwards: O Chessum, D Cole, A Dombrandt, T Dunn, B Earl, E Genge, J George, N Isiekwe, M Itoje, L Ludlam, D Ribbans, K Sinckler, M Vunipola, J Walker, J Willis
Backs: H Arundell, O Farrell, T Freeman, O Hassell-Collins, O Lawrence, M Malins, J Marchant, A Mitchell, H Slade, F Smith, M Smith, F Steward, M Tuilagi, J Van Poortvliet
Leicester Tigers have four man shortlist to be their next head coach
#1. Michael Cheika
The Telegraph reports that the narrowing shortlist features current Argentina boss Cheika prominently.