Eddie Jones has been prevented from selecting a raft of England internationals for the Barbarians on his return to Twickenham because of Steve Borthwick’s extensive World Cup preparations.
Jones will take charge of the Barbarians against a World XV on Sunday 28 May in what will be his first appearance at Rugby Football Union headquarters since he was sacked as England coach last December. A number of his former charges such as Danny Care, Dan Cole, Sam Simmonds, Jonny May and Jack Nowell had been on the invitational side’s radar but any involvement for the Barbarians would delay their availability to begin England’s World Cup preparations.