Eddie's captaincy woes intensify
SQUAD UPDATE: England coach Eddie Jones faces a huge injury crisis ahead of the Nations Series.
RFU releases a statement, revealing that Owen Farrell, Jonny May and Henry Arundell will not partake in a pre-Nations Series training camp in Jersey after sustaining injuries during the brutal Premiership weekend.
Henry Slade, as well as Adam Radwan and Tom Roebuck, have been called up as replacements.
It’s the first call-up for Roebuck. The Sale Sharks wing was born in Inverness in Scotland but has represented England at U18 and U20s levels.
RFU confirmed that Farrell will progress through his graduated return-to-play protocols at home.
Farrell’s setback is certainly not good news for Jones, who already has been dealt a skipper blow in the shape of Courtney Lawes.
The England skipper is also absent from the camp due to a concussion he sustained in September while playing for Northampton Saints.
Lawes was England’s captain for the tour of Australia in July despite Farrell’s return to fitness.
#⃣SATURDAY WRAP: @EnglandRugby boss Eddie Jones suffered a double fitness scare as @Saracens edged @ExeterChiefs in their @premrugby showdown#Rugby 🏉#Rugbyunion 🌍
🔗https://t.co/wjvVq6DmOG pic.twitter.com/H3CgbUxisS— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) October 22, 2022
Jones is to announce his captain until the eve of the series with England’s first match against Argentina scheduled for November 6 at Twickenham.
RFU statement read: “Owen Farrell (concussion), Jonny May (elbow) and Henry Arundell (foot) have withdrawn from the England squad who will travel to Jersey after sustaining injuries in their weekend games.
“Tom Roebuck has been called up to the England squad for the first time. Adam Radwan and Henry Slade also make a return to the side.
“Owen Farrell will progress through his graduated return to play protocols at home.
“Henry Arundell will travel to Jersey for rehab, along with Will Stuart who is recovering from a knee injury.
“Charlie Atkinson, who is currently unattached, will join up with the England squad as a training player.”
Jones’ side face Argentina at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, November 6.
England then host Japan (Saturday, November 12) before taking on New Zealand (Saturday, November 19) and world champions South Africa (Saturday, November 26).
