Lynagh and England's new Giteau move closer to Australia trip
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Louis Lynagh, son of Wallabies great Michael Lynagh, has moved a step closer to being selected for England’s tour to Australia in July.
The in-demand 21-year-old wing, still looking to earn his first cap after throwing in his lot with the country where he plays his rugby, is dreaming of getting the chance in his dad’s homeland.
The Harlequins flyer, who’d been in demand from England, Australia and Italy – his birthplace and mum’s homeland – was on Wednesday named in Eddie Jones’ 36-man training squad in the tour build-up.
The squad will train in London for three days from Sunday while beginning preparations for the Twickenham match against the Barbarians on June 19, before the three Tests against the Wallabies, in Perth on July 2, Brisbane on July 9 and Sydney on July 16.
England’s Australian coach Jones, who’s been an admirer of the young talent who’s scored 21 tries for Quins in two seasons, has yet to give him an international debut.
All that could change when a powerful squad travels to Australia where Jones will be protecting a proud and extraordinary record as England coach against his home country, having won all eight of the matches stretching back six years.
Jones has also welcomed back Joe Cokanasiga, Owen Farrell, Manu Tuilagi, Anthony Watson and Jack Willis to the squad following injury.
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Exciting teenage London Irish prospect Henry Arundell is a notable inclusion, along with teammate Will Joseph and Leicester Tigers’ Jack van Poortlviet. There are 10 uncapped players, including Lynagh, in the squad.
Arundell has set the English Premiership alight with his sensational running skills and the 19-year-old London Irish full-back has been tipped as a bolter to make the 2023 World Cup.
Jones said Arundell reminded him of the former Australian star Matt Giteau.
Saracens prop Mako Vunipola makes a surprise return and is joined by Joe Cokanasiga, Manu Tuilagi, Anthony Watson and Jack Willis, who all missed the Six Nations through injury.
A number of senior players, including Henry Slade, Elliot Daly, Jamie George and Kyle Sinckler, have been omitted but are expected to go to Australia.
“We’re going to use this camp as an opportunity to prepare a base game for the Barbarians fixture and for a really important Australia tour,” said Jones.
England training squad:
Forwards: Alfie Barbeary, Jamie Blamire, Ollie Chessum, Tom Curry, Nic Dolly, Alex Dombrandt, Charlie Ewels, Ellis Genge, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, George McGuigan, Tom Pearson, Bevan Rodd, Will Stuart, Sam Underhill, Mako Vunipola, Jack Willis.
Backs: Henry Arundell, Orlando Bailey, Joe Cokanasiga, Fraser Dingwall, Owen Farrell, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Will Joseph, Louis Lynagh, Alex Mitchell, Harry Randall, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Manu Tuilagi, Jack van Poortvliet, Anthony Watson.
