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Jones takes a back seat as Mitchell handed control for the England A team match
By Liam Heagney
England have announced a managerial rejig ahead of this Sunday's A team match versus Scotland A at Leicester. It had been thought that Eddie Jones would be in charge for the match but he has now ceded England matchday boss duties to his assistant John Mitchell.
An RFU statement on Thursday, just three days before the game, read: "England Rugby has appointed John Mitchell as head coach of England A in their one-off game this weekend.
"The defence coach will lead the England A side against Scotland A at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, Leicester, on Sunday, June 27 (2pm KO)."
Jones said: “John is very good with young players and will pass on his knowledge and experience to this group. The team selection will be a collaborative decision and John will be in charge on matchday.”
Mitchell added: “It’s exciting for us to be working with this new group of players and seeing them grow day-by-day. We have a responsibility to perform as an England team and I’m looking forward to leading this side in an international game against Scotland A.”
The England A team will be named on Friday following a two-week build-up to the game. Jones assembled a 34-strong squad in London on June 14 that contained 21 uncapped players and this selection was then updated last weekend and increased to 36 with the inclusion of players from beaten GallagherPremiership semi-finalists Sale and Bristol, along with a couple of more picks from Northampton.
ENGLAND SQUAD
Forwards (21)
Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons, uncapped)
Will Capon (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons, uncapped)
Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
Trevor Davison (Newcastle Falcons, uncapped)
Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 21 caps)
Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 28 caps)
Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, uncapped)
Paul Hill (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
Ted Hill (Worcester Warriors, 1 cap)
Curtis Langdon (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 8 caps)
Lewis Ludlow (Gloucester Rugby, uncapped)
Josh McNally (Bath Rugby, uncapped)
George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 1 cap)
Chunya Munga (London Irish, uncapped)
Beno Obano (Bath Rugby, 1 cap)
Miles Reid (Bath Rugby, uncapped)
Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 22 caps)
Harry Wells (Leicester Tigers, uncapped)
Backs (15)
Josh Bassett (Wasps, uncapped)
Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby, 9 caps)
Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)
Dan Kelly (Leicester Tigers, uncapped)
Ollie Lawrence (Worcester Warriors, 6 caps)
Max Malins (Bristol Bears, 7 caps)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
Max Ojomoh (Bath Rugby, uncapped)
Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons, uncapped)
Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
Dan Robson (Wasps, 12 caps)
Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, uncapped)
Jacob Umaga (Wasps, uncapped)
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Latest Comments
So you don’t think 2023 WC to 2027 WC with a few RCs and >80% rate along the way would stack up? Three world cups in a row?
We finished 2023 with 85% and a World Cup. On track for 80% in 2024 plus an RC.
Rassie’s the only guy who has any hope of getting close to that AB record.
What was Henry’s record up until 2011? Everyone knows how great the ABs were between 2007 and 2015. But there was a period of building that got them there that seems to get overlooked.
Rassie and Nienaber took a 7th ranked team to number one. Henry inherited the All Blacks. Much easier job.
Go to commentsWatch volley ball if you want a speed game. Part of the appeal of rugby is set plays. Stopping the clock while the ball is in touch is the only change needed. I am from Victoria, having escaped the trauma of living in Brisbane amongst you nuff nuffs!
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