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Underhill among three 2021 recalls as Jones names 36-man squad
By Ian Cameron
Eddie Jones has recalled three players not used this calendar year as he named a 36-player England squad ahead of their Guinness Six Nations match with Ireland.
Bath's Sam Underhill returns to the setup, as does Leicester's Nic Dolly and Northampton Saints' Alex Mitchell. Underhill played his first game for Bath - since suffering a concussion against Leinster in the Heineken Champions Cup in January - this weekend in their win over Bristol Bears.
A statement reads: "Sam Underhill, Nic Dolly and Alex Mitchell return to the squad for the first time since the 2021 Autumn Nations Series, where England won their three fixtures against Tonga, Australia and South Africa."
Bath's Orlando Bailey and Harlequins Luke Northmore are also named in the extended squad.
"Alex Dombrandt tested positive for COVID on Friday 4 March. After recording a positive LFT in the morning, he immediately went into isolation and did not take part in training. A PCR test confirmed the positive result later that evening. He is expected to rejoin the squad later next week."
"Raffi Quirke suffered concussion in Sale Sharks’ game against Exeter Chiefs today and is unavailable for selection."
The Six Nations is officially over for Exeter Chiefs lock Jonny Hill. The giant lock had been undertaking rehab "on a low limb stress injury" since he arrived into England camp, but has now been returned to his club for the remainder of the tournament.
ENGLAND 36-MAN SQUAD:
FORWARDS
Alfie Barbeary (Wasps, uncapped)
Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons, 5 caps)
Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 1 cap)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 39 caps)
Nic Dolly (Leicester Tigers, 1 cap)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 7 caps)
Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 29 caps)
Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 34 caps)
Jamie George (Saracens, 64 caps)
Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps)
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 54 caps)
Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 6 caps)
Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 69 caps)
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 91 caps)
Joe Marler (Harlequins, 77 caps)
Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 2 caps)
Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, 12 caps)
Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 50 caps)
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 18 caps)
Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 27 caps)
BACKS
Orlando Bailey (Bath Rugby, uncapped)
Elliot Daly (Saracens, 55 caps)
George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 79 caps)
George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish, uncapped)
Louis Lynagh (Harlequins, uncapped)
Max Malins (Saracens, 13 caps)
Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 10 caps)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 37 caps)
Luke Northmore (Harlequins, uncapped)
Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 4 caps)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 46 caps)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 8 caps)
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 8 caps)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 115 caps)
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Latest Comments
Does anyone know a way to loook at how many mins each player has played whilst on tour?
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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