England star undergoes surgery ahead of World Cup
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England star Billy Vunipola underwent a minor surgical procedure on his injured knee.
The news was revealed on Monday as Steve Bothwick revealed a 36-player squad for England’s third World Cup training camp.
Vunipola will continue his rehabilitation, aiming to be available for World Cup selection in August.
“The medical team are positive about my prospects, and I understand exactly what needs to be done over the next few weeks,” said Vunipola.
Ollie Chessum, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ollie Lawrence and Jack Walker remain in camp to continue their rehabilitation from injury.
Meanwhile, Borthwick’s latest squad, which does not include players from Premiership finalists Sale Sharks and Saracens, assembled at Lensbury in south-west London today as England continue their preparations for France.
Will Joseph and Beno Obano are the two players that have been cut from the squad.
“I’m pleased with the progress that’s been made over the last two weeks and we look forward to another productive training camp at the Lensbury,” said Borthwick.
“There’s still a long way to go until we are ready for a World Cup, but each day we take another step forward.”
England squad:
Forwards: Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Tom Dunn (Bath), Charlie Ewels (Bath), Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears), Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers), Ted Hill (Bath), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints), Joe Marler (Harlequins), George Martin (Leicester Tigers), Zach Mercer (Montpellier), Tom Pearson (London Irish), Val Rapava-Ruskin (Gloucester), David Ribbans (Northampton Saints), Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears), Will Stuart (Bath), Sam Underhill (Bath).
Backs: Henry Arundell (London Irish), Danny Care (Harlequins), Joe Cokanasiga (Bath), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints), Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints), Joe Marchant (Harlequins), Jonny May (Gloucester), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints), Cadan Murley (Harlequins), Guy Porter (Leicester Tigers), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Fin Smith (Northampton Saints), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers), Anthony Watson (Leicester Tigers), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers).
