The Ins & Outs of the England Squad
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Danny Cipriani's exclusion from the England squad may be the biggest shock that Eddie Jones delivered when he named his squad that will assemble in Bristol in preparation of the November Internationals.
However, the Gloucester playmaker's exclusion is not the only big call Eddie Jones made when selecting his squad and it must be noted that players excluded from the training squad could still make the November Test squad.
Big Ins
- Leicester Tigers centre Manu Tuilagi is named in the training squad for the first time in over a year having last played for England during the 2016 Six Nations after a fine start to the 2018/19 season.
- England regulars Danny Care, George Kruis and Jack Nowell all return to the squad having missed the June Tests.
- Bath loose forward Zach Mercer also returns to the squad and is still yet to make his test debut.
- Uncapped outside backs Nathan Earle (Harlequins) and Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby) are called up after fine starts to the 2018/9 season with Chris Pennell the only player to make more running metres than the pair.
- Chris Aston returns to the test squad having last played for the test side in 2014. Ashton has not featured for Sale this season after he suspended for a pre-season incident.
- South African born flanker Michael Rhodes is also included in the squad having recently qualified to represent England.
- Injured duo Nick Schonert & Brad Shields have also been included.
- England captain Dylan Hartley also returns to the side after a lengthy injury layoff.
Big Outs
- Danny Cipriani has been left out of the squad with Eddie Jones saying is omission was based on form.
When asked if Cipriani's omission is based on form, Jones said: '100% We've decided to have just two stand offs. Danny is probably third or fourth stand-off. He knows what he has to work on. He's disappointed but understands'
— Duncan Bech (@DuncanBech) September 20, 2018
- Experienced front rower Dan Cole has also been left out of the squad despite starting the season strongly.
- Flankers Sam Simmonds and Sam Underhill have also been omitted from the squad as to has Matt Kvesic.
- Bath lock Dave Attwood was also tipped to return to the test set up but the second-rower has also missed out on a call-up.
- Luke Cowan-Dickie has also been excluded after Dylan Hartley's return to the squad with Eddie Jones opting to select just two hookers.