Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

England squad: Raffi Quirke named in squad but George Ford and Vunipola brothers left out

Written by 
Published in Rugby
Monday, 18 October 2021 07:25

Uncapped Sale scrum-half Raffi Quirke and Northampton back Tommy Freeman, both 20, have been named in the England squad for the autumn internationals.

Two more uncapped players in Gloucester centre Mark Atkinson and Leicester hooker Nic Dolly make the 34-man squad.

However, there is no place for 50-cap stars Mako and Billy Vunipola, George Ford and Jamie George.

Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith is included and Owen Farrell has been confirmed as captain.

England face Tonga on 6 November, Australia on 13 November and world champions South Africa on 20 November.

"This is a young but very good, talented squad who have all earned their places," said head coach Eddie Jones.

"It is one of the most competitive squads I have ever picked."

After being left out of last month's England training squad, Ford has been in excellent form for the unbeaten Leicester Tigers, while the Vunipolas and George were at their best in Saracens' 70-point dismantling of Bath on Sunday, with Sarries boss Mark McCall saying afterwards he would be "amazed" if his experienced trio were again overlooked.

But while Jones insists the "door is not closed" for any player, the omission of such high-calibre individuals shows the England boss is determined to revamp his squad, especially given the poor Six Nations and the oft-stated desire to build towards the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

In George's absence, hooker Dolly is rewarded for his strong early-season performances with the Tigers, while Ford's omission paves the way for Quins star Smith to grab the number 10 shirt.

Number eights Callum Chick, Sam Simmonds and Alex Dombrandt can all profit from Billy Vunipola missing out, although it is understood Jones still views Tom Curry as an option at the back of the scrum.

Another surprising absentee is scrum-half Dan Robson, with rookie nines Harry Randall - who won his first caps in the summer - and Quirke both preferred.

England squad for autumn Tests:

Forwards: Jamie Blamire (Newcastle), Callum Chick (Newcastle), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter), Tom Curry (Sale), Trevor Davison (Newcastle), Nic Dolly (Leicester), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Charlie Ewels (Bath), Ellis Genge (Leicester), Jonny Hill (Exeter), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Courtney Lawes (Northampton), Lewis Ludlam (Northampton), Joe Marler (Harlequins), George Martin (Leicester), Sam Simmonds (Exeter), Kyle Sinckler (Bristol), Will Stuart (Bath), Sam Underhill (Bath)

Backs: Mark Atkinson (Gloucester), Owen Farrell (Saracens), Tommy Freeman (Northampton), George Furbank (Northampton), Max Malins (Saracens), Jonny May (Gloucester), Raffi Quirke (Sale), Adam Radwan (Newcastle), Harry Randall (Bristol), Henry Slade (Exeter), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Freddie Steward (Leicester), Manu Tuilagi (Sale), Anthony Watson (Bath), Ben Youngs (Leicester)

Quirke scored twice against Harlequins on Friday night, with his boss Alex Sanderson telling BBC 5 live afterwards the young playmaker could go on to be a legend of English rugby.

"If he stays fit he's probably going to be one of the country's greats," Sanderson said. "I've spoken to Eddie and he is one of the smartest coaches around. I trust he will have not just England's best interests [at heart] but Raffi's as well."

Luke Cowan-Dickie, Maro Itoje and Anthony Watson have all been named despite injury scares on the weekend, while Joe Launchbury and Elliot Daly are long-term injury absentees.

With Daly out, Max Malins, Freeman and Leicester's Freddie Stewart, who made his debut in July, are contenders for the full-back position, with Steward expected to be given an extended run in the 15 shirt.

In total there are eight players who made their debuts in the summer Tests against the USA and Canada, with Newcastle front-row pair Jamie Blamire and Trevor Davison, as well as two more Falcons in Chick and the electric Adam Radwan, joining Steward, Dombrandt, Randall and Smith in the squad.

Read 205 times

Soccer

Postecoglou: Spurs undecided on Werner future

Postecoglou: Spurs undecided on Werner future

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsAnge Postecoglou said Tottenham are undecided whether to take up th...

Terzic unsurprised as Sancho dazzles for Dortmund

Terzic unsurprised as Sancho dazzles for Dortmund

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsJadon Sancho gave a timely reminder of his talent in helping Boruss...

Superstars often leave Dortmund, but BVB inch toward Champions League final anyway

Superstars often leave Dortmund, but BVB inch toward Champions League final anyway

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsDORTMUND, Germany -- Borussia Dortmund don't need a star to sparkle...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Ishbia says Suns in 'great position,' mum on Vogel

Ishbia says Suns in 'great position,' mum on Vogel

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPHOENIX -- Days after a first-round playoff sweep ended a disappoin...

NBA: Refs missed Maxey travel on 4-point play

NBA: Refs missed Maxey travel on 4-point play

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsAccording to the NBA's Last Two Minute report from Game 5 of the in...

Baseball

Mets' Lindor exits early with flu-like symptoms

Mets' Lindor exits early with flu-like symptoms

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Francisco Lindor left the New York Mets' game against t...

Cora touts roster flexibility as Yoshida latest to IL

Cora touts roster flexibility as Yoshida latest to IL

EmailPrintBOSTON -- Injuries continue to pile up for the Boston Red Sox as the team placed designate...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated