England Selects Potent Squad for Japan and New Zealand Tour
In a move that has rugby enthusiasts buzzing, England head coach Steve Borthwick has unveiled a 36-player squad brimming with potential for their upcoming tour to Japan and New Zealand. The roster boasts an exciting blend of seasoned internationals and promising newcomers, including six uncapped players set to make their England debuts.
Leading the charge is Gallagher Premiership’s top try scorer, Ollie Sleightholme of Northampton Saints, who earns his first senior call-up. Joining him are Sale Sharks’ back-three duo Joe Carpenter and Tom Roebuck, Harlequins’ Fin Baxter and Luke Northmore, and Bristol Bears’ Gabriel Oghre.
The squad has been bolstered by the inclusion of several Northampton Saints and Bath players following their Premiership final showdown, where the Saints emerged victorious. Lock Alex Coles is the sole Saints addition to the 20-strong forward pack, while their backs are represented by Fraser Dingwall, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Alex Mitchell, Sleightholme, and Fin Smith.
Bath’s contingent includes lock Charlie Ewels, tighthead Will Stuart, and flanker Sam Underhill, all of whom impressed in the final. Scrumhalf Ben Spencer and centre Ollie Lawrence are the two Bath players added to the backs.
“The Summer Series presents a valuable opportunity for the continued development of this squad and is a demanding challenge to conclude the season,” said Borthwick. “For some of the younger players, it will be their first time touring abroad with England. Travelling together is a great way to build closer bonds and provides an important opportunity for new players to settle into our environment.”
The squad will face a stiff test against Japan in Tokyo on June 22, a match that will be broadcast live and for free on RugbyPass TV. They will then head to New Zealand for a two-match series against the formidable All Blacks in July.
“New Zealand’s home record is well documented, and we face a team who came within one point of winning a World Cup,” Borthwick said. “Historically it is not a place England have had much success, but we are determined to change that. The players know that they will need to be mentally strong and tactically smart if we are to get the result we want.”
With a mix of experienced heads and promising newcomers, England’s squad for the Summer Series promises an exciting and challenging journey for rugby enthusiasts to follow.
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