Double boost England
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England have received some major good news ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations match against Wales at Twickenham.
Mako Vunipola has been included in the England squad for Saturday’s Six Nations match at Twickenham.
The loosehead was not expected to feature after returning to Tonga for family reasons last week.
Just a few days ago, England head coach Eddie Jones stated that Vunipola would “probably not” be available after a family member was taken seriously ill.
Vunipola has only featured once in this year’s Six Nations so far, starting in the 13-6 defeat of Scotland at BT Murrayfield.
Anthony Watson also returns having overcome a calf problem.
While there is still no room in Jones’ squad for Alex Dombrandt, Sam Simmonds or Ollie Hassell-Collins, the England boss has called up Exeter Chiefs’ Jack Maunder as a third No 9.
Billy Vunipola, Joe Cokanasiga and Jack Nowell remain among the players unavailable for Jones this week.
*Article continues below…
England squad:
Forwards: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Tom Curry, Tom Dunn, Ben Earl, Charlie Ewels, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Maro Itoje, George Kruis, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler, Will Stuart, Sam Underhill, Mako Vunipola, Harry Williams, Mark Wilson
Backs: Elliot Daly, Ollie Devoto, Owen Farrell, George Ford, George Furbank, Willi Heinz, Jonathan Joseph, Jonny May, Jack Maunder, Henry Slade, Ollie Thorley, Manu Tuilagi, Jacob Umaga, Anthony Watson, Ben Youngs
