Jones named uncapped dozen in England training squad

Eddie Jones has named 12 uncapped players to join up for an England training squad a few weeks before their final match of the Six Nations against Italy.

Jones was unable to call on players from six Premiership clubs, with the season still in progress.

The England head coach on Monday included a dozen players who have not yet represented their country, with Ali Crossdale, Fraser Dingwall, Nathan Earle, Alex Mitchell, Ollie Thorley and Jack Clement given the nod.

Alex Dombrandt, Joe Heyes, Simon Kerrod, Lewis Ludlow, Alex Moon and David Ribbans were also in the 28-man squad for a three-day training camp – which starts on Tuesday.

England face the Barbarians on October 25 before taking on Italy in Rome – a match that was postponed in March due to the coronavirus crisis – six days later with the Six Nations title up for grabs.

They will then play four matches as part of the Autumn Nations Cup.

Jones said: “Our preparation to build the team for the Italy game starts now. We have a three-day camp this week and another one next week then we’re into the week of our Quilter Cup match against the Barbarians.

“We’ll be slowly building up, working on the basics and working on team cohesion. We’re excited to be back together in camp representing England. This autumn we want to play for the fans and give them something to smile about.”

Introducing England’s new faces

uncapped players feature in this week’s training camp

Get to know them all

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) October 5, 2020

England training squad:

Backs: Ali Crossdale, Elliot Daly, Fraser Dingwall, Nathan Earle, Owen Farrell, George Ford, Piers Francis, George Furbank, Willi Heinz, Joe Marchant, Jonny May, Alex Mitchell, Ollie Thorley, Ben Youngs.

Forwards: Jack Clement, Alex Dombrandt, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje, Simon Kerrod, Lewis Ludlow, Alex Moon, David Ribbans, Jack Singleton, Billy Vunipola, Mako Vunipola, Mark Wilson.

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