England name squad for South Africa tour

May 10, 2018
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Ultimate Rugby

England head coach Eddie Jones has named a 34-man squad to tour South Africa for a three-Test series in June.

Jones has selected seven new players for the tour including Ben Earl (Saracens), Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs), Dan Robson (Wasps), Brad Shields (Hurricanes/Wasps), Ben Spencer (Saracens), Cameron Redpath (Sale Sharks) and Jack Willis (Wasps).

Danny Cipriani (Wasps) makes a return to the England setup having last played for his country in 2015. Billy Vunipola (Saracens) is recalled after recovering from injury having last played for England in the 2017 Six Nations. Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons), a year after last featuring for England in the two Test series in Argentina, is also included.

In the absence of Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints) due to concussion, Owen Farrell (Saracens) will be captain for the tour.

Danny Care (Harlequins), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), James Haskell (Wasps) and Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens) have been rested for the tour.

England has only won 23 percent of their matches against the Springboks in South Africa with the last win coming in Bloemfontein back in 2000.

Jones has also confirmed a 31-man squad which will train in Brighton next week ahead of the tour and England’s Quilter Cup match against the Barbarians on Sunday 27 May at Twickenham Stadium (KO 1500 BST).

Following the conclusion of the Premiership semi finals next weekend, a final training squad will be confirmed to prepare for the Barbarians match.

England will play South Africa in three Tests in Johannesburg (9 June), Bloemfontein (16 June) and Cape Town (23 June). All matches kick off at 1705 local time (1605 BST).

Scott Wisemantel will join Jones’ coaching staff for the tour to South Africa as an attack consultant. The 48-year-old Australian was recently backs coach for Top 14 club Montpellier working with Jake White.

England squad for South Africa Tour