England take 'Care' for BaaBaas showdown
NEWS: Harlequins scrumhalf Danny Care has officially been recalled to England squad for next weekend’s match against Barbarians.
Care is named in the 36-player squad that started gathering on Sunday at Pennyhill Park to prepare for Sunday’s game at Twickenham Stadium.
While the Barbarians game is uncapped, the selection of Care has come as something of a surprise, given that coach Eddie Jones hasn’t selected him in nearly four years.
The 35-year-old, who last played in November 2018, has been in rip-roaring form for Harlequins.
Will Collier also returns to the squad and there is a first call-up for Jack Walker.
There is no place for fellow Harlequin Joe Marler, who is being omitted for the Barbarians game but who could yet feature on tour in Australia.
Luke Cowan-Dickie – who is nursing a knee injury – will be in camp continuing rehab work.
The squad doesn’t include any players from Leicester Tigers and Saracens, who are involved in the Premiership Final next Saturday.
Jones said: “This is a strong, diverse squad. There are a lot of exciting, young players and some experienced players who have another opportunity to shine.
“Everyone will be given the chance to make their case for being part of the Australia tour squad while we prepare for the Barbarians.
“The Barbarians game at Twickenham is always a great rugby occasion and we know the fans always have a great day out, watching a really entertaining game.
“We’re looking forward to working hard on the training pitch this week so we’re ready for a fantastic match on Sunday.”
England squad
FORWARDS
Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons, 6 caps)
Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons, 2 caps)
Will Collier (Harlequins, 2 caps)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 40 caps)
Trevor Davison (Newcastle Falcons, 2 caps)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 9 caps)
Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 30 caps)
Will Goodrick-Clarke (London Irish, uncapped)
Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 12 caps)
Ted Hill (Worcester Warriors, 2 caps)
Sam Jeffries (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 93 caps)
Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)
Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 2 caps)
Patrick Schickerling (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)
Jack Singleton (Gloucester Rugby, 3 caps)
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 20 caps)
Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 28 caps)
Jack Walker (Harlequins, uncapped)
Jack Willis (Wasps, 3 caps)
BACKS
Henry Arundell (London Irish, uncapped)
Mark Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, 1 cap)
Orlando Bailey (Bath Rugby, uncapped)
Danny Care (Harlequins, 84 caps)
Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby, 11 caps)
Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish, uncapped)
Will Joseph (London Irish, uncapped)
Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 12 caps)
Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 69 caps)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 39 caps)
Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons, 2 caps)
Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 6 caps)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 10 caps)
Unavailable for selection due to injury: George Furbank, Louis Lynagh, Sam Simmonds, Kyle Sinckler, Henry Slade, Manu Tuilagi and Anthony Watson
By Kim Ekin, RugbyPass
