"Told he was too small" - 5 things you didn't know about England debutant Tommy Freeman - Ruck

“Told he was too small” – 5 things you didn’t know about England debutant Tommy Freeman

Uncapped Northampton full-back Tommy Freeman has been named by Eddie Jones in the England team to play Australia this weekend.

Guy Porter (outside centre) also makes his debut while at scrum half, Jack van Poortvliet, will make his first start for England after scoring a try coming on as a finisher last weekend.

Owen Farrell starts at inside centre with Marcus Smith at fly half. Jack Nowell is on the other wing and Freddie Steward stays at full back. In the only change to the forward pack, Sam Underhill is at openside flanker. Courtney Lawes (blind-side flanker) captains the side and Billy Vunipola is at No. 8.

In the front row, props Ellis Genge and Will Stuart join hooker Jamie George. Maro Itoje and Jonny Hill are locks.

Jones said: “We have decided to make changes in our back line, they were tough calls but we feel they will strengthen the team. There are opportunities to attack against Australia which we can take.

“We have had solid preparation this week and looking forward to an important game in Brisbane. This game is the perfect practice for the World Cup and our focus is putting on our best performance.”

Here are five things you might not know about 21-year-old speedster Freeman.

#1. Rejection

Freeman was released by the Leicester Tigers academy at the age of sixteen for ‘being too small’ before signing with Northampton Saints.

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