Eddie Jones has called up veteran Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care to England’s squad for the first time since 2018 ahead of Sunday’s match against the Barbarians, putting him in line for selection on this summer’s tour of Australia.
Care was originally expected to turn out of the Barbarians in the Twickenham, having been frozen out by Jones for four years since a fixture against Japan during which he was taken off at half-time.
The 35-year-old has 84 England caps and has been the Premiership’s outstanding scrum-half this season, with his campaign ending on Saturday when Quins lost to Saracens in the play-offs.
He is one of six Quins called into the squad, although Joe Marler is not one of them. His fellow prop Will Collier is recalled and hooker Jack Walker receives his first callup. Regulars Marcus Smith, Alex Dombrandt and Joe Marchant are included.
Northampton Saints, the other losing semi-finalists, have five players called up: Lewis Ludlam, Courtney Lawes and Alex Mitchell, plus the uncapped Fraser Dingwall and Tommy freeman.
As they compete in the final on Saturday, players from Saracens and Leicester are unavailable.
England travel to Australia for a three-Test series promptly after the Barbarians game.
“This is a strong, diverse squad,” said Jones. “There are a lot of exciting, young players and some experienced players who have another opportunity to shine.
“Everyone will be given the chance to make their case for being part of the Australia tour squad while we prepare for the Barbarians.”
