Burrell in 28 strong squad preparing for Samoa

Nov 18 • General News • 2283 Views • Comments Off on Burrell in 28 strong squad preparing for Samoa

Luther Burrell is in contention to face Samoa at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday after being named in the group preparing for the third QBE International.

The Northampton Saints centre, who scored three tries in the 2014 RBS 6 Nations, is among 28 players recalled by Stuart Lancaster to Pennyhill Park this evening after recovering from a hand injury.

Bath Rugby wing Semesa Rokoduguni, missing from the 31-28 defeat to South Africa with a thigh injury, has not recovered sufficiently to retake his place in the squad and will remain at the club. Domestic colleague Kyle Eastmond suffered concussion towards the end of the match on Saturday and will undergo the Graduated Return To Play protocol in hope of playing against the South Sea Islanders.

England Head Coach Lancaster said it was a welcome boost to have Burrell back as he seeks to arrest a run of five consecutive defeats.

“We have narrowed the group to give us more focus in training,” he said. “It’s good to have Luther back in camp after recovering from his hand injury and we’ll see how he gets on in training this week.

“Roko will stay with Bath as he returns to fitness. Kyle suffered a bang to the head at the end of the game and he will be undergoing the Graduated Return To Play protocol with us.

“As per the EPS agreement we will release players on Tuesday evening to prepare for the Aviva Premiership games at the weekend.”

England Squad

Loose-head props
Joe Marler (Harlequins)
Matt Mullan (Wasps)

Tight-head props
Kieran Brookes (Newcastle Falcons)
David Wilson (Bath Rugby)

Hookers
Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)
Rob Webber (Bath Rugby)

Locks
Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby)
George Kruis (Saracens)
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)

Back rows
Calum Clark (Northampton Saints)
James Haskell (Wasps)
Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby)
Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, captain)
Billy Vunipola (Saracens)
Tom Wood (Northampton Saints)

Scrum halves
Danny Care (Harlequins)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens)

Outside backs
Brad Barritt (Saracens)
Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints)
Kyle Eastmond (Bath Rugby)
Owen Farrell (Saracens)
George Ford (Bath Rugby)
Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby)

Back threes
Mike Brown (Harlequins)
Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby)
Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby)
Marland Yarde (Harlequins)