England’s Six Nations squad has been announced on Monday morning.
New coach Steve Borthwick has selected his 36-man group after he replaced Eddie Jones as the man in charge late last year. The bombshell news overnight is that Jones has already agreed a return to international coaching with his native Australia ahead of this year’s World Cup.
Northampton Saints fly-half Fin Smith has been handed a first call-up joining four other uncapped players in the squad – Ollie Hassell-Collins, George McGuigan, Cadan Murley and Jack Walker while Billy Vunipola, Jonny May and Jack Nowell are the big-name omissions.
Courtney Lawes returns to the squad following injury. There are also returns for Dan Cole, Ben Curry, Alex Dombrandt and Nick Isiekwe and backs Elliot Daly, Dan Kelly, Max Malins and Joe Marchant.
Meanwhile, Owen Farrell is set to be available for England’s opening game against Scotland on 4 February after the Rugby Football Union confirmed his ban for a dangerous tackle will have been deemed fully served before the tournament begins.
