Eddie Jones has received a welcome boost ahead of England’s World Cup opener against Tonga.
Lock Joe Launchbury and centre Henry Slade have been declared fit after the squad arrived in Japan yesterday lunchtime.
However, England will continue to be without Mako Vunipola and Jack Nowell for at least their first two matches of the pool stage
Welcome to Miyazaki 宮崎#RWC2019 #CarryThemHome pic.twitter.com/x3SF6QDF9j
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) September 10, 2019
“Mako and Jack Nowell will be back in the latter part of the group stages,” confirmed England forwards’ coach Steve Borthwick.
“Slade is looking, very, very good. Joseph is in full training. Joe Launchbury came off with a back injury at the weekend, but there’s nothing concerning there.
“Joe will recover from the flight and will be good to go. Sinckler was nothing serious, but while Mako and Jack are unavailable (now) Slade is on track.”
Day 1 in Japan and it's time for a pool recovery session at the Yokohama City Athletic Club 🏊♂️ pic.twitter.com/xKP1z5SySb
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) September 10, 2019
England’s first full day at their training camp in Miyazaki was partially taken up by a community visit to a local high school, where a brass band played ‘We Will Rock You’ by Queen as the players sat on stage.
Hundreds of children watched as fly-half George Ford exchanged passes with the captain of the school team, before gifts were exchanged and Borthwick gave a short speech in Japanese.