England Training Squad - June 2023

[TigerFeetSteve]

https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/status ... tngnQ&s=19

Note this is missing ALL semifinalist teams.

[Hot_Charlie]

Yep, Saints and TIgers join next week, Sarries and Sale a fortnight after. Hence the rather skewed nature of the squad.

[trendylfj]

Would be very surprised to find out that more than 9 or 10 of this squad make the final WC squad

[Rugbygramps]

Would be very surprised to find out that more than 9 or 10 of this squad make the final WC squad

I would agree but it’s also an opportunity for some to make an early case. Certainly Hill, Rapava Ruskin and Spencer

[Old Hob]

Sam Simmons has said he is unavailable for selection.

[Hot_Charlie]

Sam Simmons has said he is unavailable for selection.

Sam Simmonds or his Montpellier contract?

[GB72]

Sam Simmons has said he is unavailable for selection.

Sam Simmonds or his Montpellier contract?

This, starting to think that not playing for England may be why some of these big deals were offered.

[Hot_Charlie]

Sam Simmons has said he is unavailable for selection.

Sam Simmonds or his Montpellier contract?

This, starting to think that not playing for England may be why some of these big deals were offered.

I think the warning sign was the Henry Thomas issue.

"You think your are playing for Wales AND Montpelier? Non!"

I do think there's some weird psyche that's developed down Exeter way too.

[Leicestertinytiger]

Some good picks in there all things considered.

Blamire I’ve always rated as England’s third choice hooker after George and LCD. He’s got all the attributes to be a quality test player and hopefully he makes the cut.

Pearson and Hill are both massive talents - but probably the most competitive spots on the flanks. I’m hoping Pearson makes the WC squad. Could see Dombrandt not making it with Mercer and Vunipola.

Also seems that LH is being massively looked at. Maybe Borthwick isn’t happy with his options after Genge.

[TigerFeetSteve]

Could see Dombrandt not making it with Mercer and Vunipola.

Given the fallout between Billy & Borthwick, I'd say it's much more likely Vunipola who misses out.

[Hot_Charlie]

Pearson and Hill are both massive talents - but probably the most competitive spots on the flanks. I’m hoping Pearson makes the WC squad. Could see Dombrandt not making it with Mercer and Vunipola.

Saints fans saying Pearson will be useful off the bench for them next year! Idiots.

Dombrandt was seriously shown up in the 6N.

[Leicestertinytiger]

Think press were reporting Billy pack in the picture, especially given T Willis wasn’t called up.

[TigerFeetSteve]

Think press were reporting Billy pack in the picture, especially given T Willis wasn’t called up.

I suspect 2 specialist 8s in the squad. Earl & Ludlam for example also cover there, so for me it's Mercer plus one other, I highly suspect that he'll go with the guy he had at 8 in the 6N, rather than a bloke he hasn't spoken to since 2019

[Leicestertinytiger]

Think press were reporting Billy pack in the picture, especially given T Willis wasn’t called up.

I suspect 2 specialist 8s in the squad. Earl & Ludlam for example also cover there, so for me it's Mercer plus one other, I highly suspect that he'll go with the guy he had at 8 in the 6N, rather than a bloke he hasn't spoken to since 2019

Sarries announced whilst injured he’s in the camp with England at the moment.

[ABClub]

England announced alongside the 28-man squad they have Chessum, Billy V and LCD rehabbing with the group.

Interestingly Launchbury was namechecked as not being picked due to an injury but not announced as rehabbing with the group. That might be a case of him still getting settled in London again though so being given time with family. Personally I'm not sure he's still the same player after the injuries but second row isn't that strong so I'm happy for him to be given the chance to prove me wrong.

Tom and Jack started Bordeaux's losing semi and Toulouse's winning semis respectively at the weekend so presumably Tom wont have been considered yet due to that.