Chris Ashton and Michael Rhodes Named in England training squad
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England head coach Eddie Jones has named a 44-man pre-season training squad to convene from Saturday 4 August until Monday 6 August.
Chris Ashton (Sale Sharks) is selected having returned to England this summer from playing in France with Toulon. The 31-year-old winger, who scored 19 tries in 39 Tests for England, last played international rugby in 2014.
England coaches will have a chance to look at a number of new or young players including Gabriel Ibitoye (Harlequins), Joel Kpoku (Saracens), Jordan Olowofela (Leicester Tigers) and Michael Rhodes (Saracens).
A number of players rested for the tour to South Africa were not considered for this camp but will be watched closely in the club season.
With three England U20 players in Ibitoye, Kpoku and Olowofela,who featured in the recent World Rugby U20 Championship in France, named in the training squad Jones added: "It is an opportunity for them to show us what they have got. We have identified those guys who can potentially play for England in the future so this is a great opportunity for them."
Not considered for selection due to injury/ fitness/ other
Danny Care (Harlequins)
Jack Clifford (Harlequins)
Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby)
Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers)
Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby)
George Kruis (Saracens)
Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
Brad Shields (Wasps)
Denny Solomona (Sale Sharks)
Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers)
Billy Vunipola (Saracens)
Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby)
Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens)
