England announce 33 players for QBE Internationals

Oct 22 • General News, International, World Rugby • 1979 Views • Comments Off on England announce 33 players for QBE Internationals

Seven Bath players included in 33-man party
Chris Robshaw retains captaincy

Semesa Rokoduguni is among three uncapped players named in England’s 33-man squad for the 2014 QBE Internationals against New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa and Australia. Chris Robshaw will captain the side in the four-game series at Twickenham.

The group also features Saracens lock George Kruis and Northampton Saints flanker Calum Clark and will meet up at Pennyhill Park on Sunday, October 26 to prepare for the opening clash with the All Blacks on November 8. Three remaining fixtures take place on consecutive Saturdays.

Centre Jonathan Joseph is included with Manu Tuilagi injured, and swells the number of in-form Bath representatives to seven. George Ford is among those from the West Country club as one of three options at fly half alongside Owen Farrell and Stephen Myler.

England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “The first six rounds of the Premiership and opening round of European action have given us plenty to think about as coaches with a lot of players putting their hand up for selection and we are excited by the options available to us.

“We are still monitoring a number of players injury-wise and with another intensive round of European games to come, including the Wasps-Harlequins and Sale-Clermont games on Sunday, there are likely to be additions to the squad after the weekend as we move into the training camp and towards the games – so there is plenty to be decided before the New Zealand match comes around.

“We have four quality sides coming to Twickenham for this QBE Internationals series and we are really looking forward to playing at home in front of our passionate supporters as we continue the build up to the World Cup in 12 months’ time.”

Having recovered from the knee injury that kept him out of the tour to New Zealand, young Exeter Chiefs wing Jack Nowell returns to the fold, while back-rowers James Haskell (Wasps) and Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby) are also rewarded for fine domestic form.

Harlequins’ Robshaw has captained England in 27 of their last 30 Tests and Lancaster added: “Chris continues to lead from the front and with other players now stepping up into captaincy and senior roles at their clubs, we are building a team of leaders who can take England forward.

“There are a number of players unavailable for this series because of long term injury (listed below) but they are all on the road to recovery and as always, it gives the opportunity for others to come in and stake their claim.

“We have included Jonathan [Joseph] as an injury replacement for Manu. It is obviously disappointing to lose Manu but JJ has been in great form and deserves this chance. Our medics will continue to work closely Leicester’s and ensure that Manu is supported in his rehabilitation from his injury.”

England Senior Squad (33)

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)
Joe Launchbury (Wasps)
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)
Lee Dickson (Northampton Saints)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)

Fly halves
Owen Farrell (Saracens)
George Ford (Bath Rugby)
Stephen Myler (Northampton Saints)

Centres
Brad Barritt (Saracens)
Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints)
Kyle Eastmond (Bath Rugby)
Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby)
Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby)

Back threes
Mike Brown (Harlequins)
Alex Goode (Saracens)
Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby)
Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath Rugby)
Marland Yarde (Harlequins)

The following players will not be available for the 2014 QBE Internationals: Alex Corbisiero (shoulder), Dan Cole (neck), Tom Croft (knee), Tom Johnson (neck), Geoff Parling (concussion), Chris Pennell (groin), Ed Slater (knee), Mako Vunipola (knee), Tom Youngs (shoulder).

A squad update will be issued at 8pm on Sunday, October 26 following the European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup second round.