Harry Randall’s fight to earn a place in England’s squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad in France next Autumn has just got harder.
Having started for England during the 2022 Guinness Six Nations, the Bristol Bears star looked a shoe-in for a place in Eddie Jones’ squad, but Harlequins star Danny Care has been brought out of international purgatory and been told by he could figure in their plans for next year’s World Cup if he makes the most of his international comeback. Care is hoping to play a role in Sunday’s fixture against the Barbarians at Twickenham after earning a surprise recall nearly four years after winning the last of his 84 caps.
Although a star of the Gallagher Premiership over the last two seasons through his influence as one of Harlequins’ main attacking threats, Care will be 36-years-old by the time the World Cup is staged in 2023. But forwards coach Richard Cockerill insists he will “definitely” be in Jones’ selection thoughts if he proves himself, with the non-cap international against the Barbarians and next month’s tour to Australia his immediate targets.
Bristol half-back Randall, 24, is one of three scrum-halves in the England squad to prepare to the face the Barbarians this weekend along with Northampton star Alex Mitchell, while Leicester Tigers stalwart Ben Youngs looks set to link up with the national side to tour Australia after playing for his club in the Premiership final on Saturday against Saracens.
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In 2019, Jones took just two scrum-halves as part of his 31-man squad to Japan, but that turned out to be a mistake with Willi Heinz suffering an injury in the semi-final win over New Zealand, resulting in Ben Spencer being flown out for the final.
World Rugby have announced squads will expand to 33 players at next years’ tournament, potentially providing room for three scrum halves, but competition within the England squad has certanily has just hotted up for six cap international Randall.
Discussing Care’s return to the international set-up, Cockerill said: “If Danny’s playing well enough and he’s playing better than anybody else, whether they’re young or old, then he’ll come into contention.
“World Cups are about having that balance – having enough caps of experience to be able to control and manage the pressure, but also having those young guys who are so hungry.
“We need that balance in our group. I don’t think age will be a barrier, whether young or old. Guys will be picked on how well they’re playing.
“Danny is a competitor and wants to compete. He wouldn’t be here if he didn’t have that focus to go to the World Cup. He’s in great physical condition, even as a senior member of the squad. I’d say he’s very keen to compete for a spot.”
Care’s England career appeared to be over after being discarded by Jones in the wake of a 35-15 victory against Japan in November 2018. But he has been at the heart of Harlequins’ revival over the past two seasons, forging a devastating half-back partnership with Marcus Smith that has thrilled audiences across the country.
“Danny’s been on great form for a little while now. He’s full of energy and life. He’s a good character and clearly a very good player, so he’s adding on and off the field,” Cockerill said.
“He’s very experienced. He’s worked with Eddie before, he’s worked with a lot of the guys who are in the squad now before.
“He’s a bright man, he picks things up very quickly and is clearly a very instinctive player. He’s dropped in very easily and has trained very well and been very good with the group.
“Danny has always been part of a selection conversation and Eddie thinks it’s the right time to bring him back into the fold to help the group.”
