Six unrestricted players and Tom Curry make up Steve Borthwick’s group.
Steve Borthwick has announced his 36-man squad for England’s summer tour of New Zealand and Japan. Six capped players made the cut, along with Tom Curry, who has played just 34 minutes of rugby since last year’s World Cup.
Premier League top scorer Ollie Sleightholme is one of six uncapped players to make the cut, along with Bristol Bears hooker Gabriel Oghre, Sale Sharks duo Joe Carpenter and Tom Roebuck and Harlequins pair Luke Northmore and Fin Baxter.
Read more: How to watch England vs. Japan for free this summer
Notable exclusions include Bath rugby trio Ted Hill, Will Muir and Alfie Barbeary, as well as Northampton Saints hooker Curtis Langdon, who is rumored to be out with an injury sustained in the Premiership rugby final.
Sale flanker Curry is also set to return to the England fold after being sidelined for seven months with a serious hip injury. He will be joined by twin brother Ben as well as experienced prop pair Joe Marler and Dan Cole and stalwart Maro Itoje.
England summer tour squad confirmed
Summer Series Ready 😉
Steve Borthwick has named a 36-man squad to travel to Japan and New Zealand 🛫
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) June 10, 2024
Commenting on the squad announcement, Borthwick said: “The Summer Series provides a valuable opportunity for the continued development of this squad and is a difficult challenge to finish the season with.
“For some of the younger players it will be their first time touring overseas with England. Traveling together is a great way to build closer bonds and provides an important opportunity for new players to become established in our environment.
“Climate change, playing conditions and the contrasting styles of rugby of the two opponents we face will challenge us both on and off the pitch.”
England’s first match is against Japan on Saturday 22 June, with two matches against New Zealand scheduled for 6 July and 13 July.
What do you think of the England Summer Tour squad? Who are you missing that you would like to see? Let us know on social media or email Rugbyworldletters@futurenet.com.
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