England bring in six uncapped players for series against All Blacks
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Steve Borthwick has revealed his 36-man squad for their upcoming tour to New Zealand.
Borthwick’s side will play a Test match against Japan in Tokyo on Saturday, June 22 before matches against the All Blacks in Dunedin {July 6) and Auckland (July 13).
Six uncapped players are included in the touring party with Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Gabriel Oghre (Bristol Bears), Joe Carpenter (Sale Sharks), Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks), Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints), and Luke Northmore (Harlequins) all called up.
The squad – which will be captained by Jamie George and is made up of 20 forwards and 16 backs – will train at Twickenham Stadium on Tuesday, June 11 before flying to Tokyo the following day to continue preparation.
“The series presents a valuable opportunity for the continued development of this squad and is a demanding challenge to conclude the season,” said Borthwick.
“For some of the younger players, it will be their first time touring abroad with England. Travelling together is a great way to build closer bonds and provides an important opportunity for new players to settle into our environment.
“With the changes in climate, playing conditions, and contrasting styles of rugby from the two opponents we face, we will be challenged on and off the field.
“The National Stadium in Tokyo is an incredible venue for Test match rugby, and we will need to be at our very best against a Japanese team who will want to play fast.
“New Zealand’s home record is well documented, and we face a team who came within one point of winning a World Cup.
“Historically it is not a place England have had much success, but we are determined to change that.
“The players know that they will need to be mentally strong and tactically smart if we are to get the result we want.”
England will head to New Zealand without flyhalf George Ford who was ruled out with an Achilles injury.
England squad:
Forwards: Fin Baxter, Dan Cole, Alex Coles, Chandler Cunningham-South, Ben Curry, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Charlie Ewels, Jamie George (captain), Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje, Joe Marler, George Martin, Gabriel Oghre, Bevan Rodd, Ethan Roots, Will Stuart, Sam Underhill.
Backs: Joe Carpenter, Fraser Dingwall, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Ollie Lawrence, Alex Mitchell, Luke Northmore, Harry Randall, Tom Roebuck, Henry Slade, Ollie Sleightholme, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Ben Spencer, Freddie Steward.
