England's 6 Nations Squad

Eddie Jones has announced his England squad ahead of the 2017 RBS 6 Nations.

The 34-man squad will train in Portugal between 22-27 January before assembling at Pennyhill Park to prepare for their opening match against France at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday 4 February (kick-off 4.50pm, live on ITV).

Jones has named three uncapped players in a squad made up of 20 forwards and 14 backs. Back-row forward Mike Williams (Leicester Tigers) is included alongside prop Nathan Catt (Bath Rugby) and back Alex Lozowski (Saracens)

“I’ve been impressed with the three uncapped players named in the squad," said Jones.

"They’re all guys who have great physical capabilities and they all have a desire to improve. With a number of injuries to some key players it’s a great opportunity for them."

There are also returns for James Haskell (Wasps), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby), Jack Clifford (Harlequins) and Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs) who were unavailable for selection during the autumn.

“It’s good to welcome back a number of players who weren’t with us during the autumn," said Jones.

"This time last year I said that the long-term strategy for England is to develop a side who can be the most dominant team in world rugby. Obviously I’ve been pleased with how the team’s progressing, but there’s still plenty to improve on."

Backroom addition
Joining Jones’ backroom team will be visual awareness coach Dr Sherylle Calder, who will work with the team on a consultancy basis.

Dr Calder, who helps improve players’ peripheral vision, their reaction times and co-ordination, has been involved with two Rugby World Cup winning teams and has worked with a number of high-profile athletes across a multitude of different sports.
“2017 for us is about building really strong foundations for the team and making sure our fundamental skills are improving,” said Jones.

“Part of that is hand-eye co-ordination and our ability to handle the ball adroitly - Dr Sherylle Calder is an expert in that field.

“She has won two gold medals, 2003 with England and 2007 with South Africa, I used her extensively when I coached in Japan and had success with her then. I think she is really going to add an edge to the players’ preparation.”

No 7&1/2 wrote:If we're talking form Mullen has been so so at best this season but before that really pushing (that club form again) at least for the bench for my money. Launchbury has been the form lock. The argument of 4 or 5 and who to partner...not sure it's an all important point on who calls the shots in the lineout. Borthwick will surely make sure everyone knows the role well elsewhere shag do you do if the lineout caller goes off injured. Neither Launchbury or Kruis ae exactly immobile either.

nlpnlp wrote:It seems strange that EJ only goes with 2 scrum halfs. If one gets injured whoever comes in has an awful lot of learning to do as there is no clear no3 who can just walk in and know all the plays.  Perhaps he just doesn't fancy any of the other options.  I have to admit to being a big Robson fan.  I am also hoping that Ben Spencer will come good in due course.

Cumbrian wrote:Eddie has got a point about leadership.  Who is in the squad that the players would gather round when the proverbial hits and the England are under pressure?

No 7&1/2 wrote:Can't imagine Brown making the Lions but it's certainly a position for Jones to be thinking of developing some depth in the near future. Lancaster back up seems to have been discarded could be tempted for Watson back there given May and Nowell doing well and for some reason Yarde waiting for an opportunity.

Rugby Fan wrote:Haskell's foot flared up after his appearance for Wasps. In a BBC interview before the game, he revealed that the injury will always feel uncomfortable, even after healing, so I wonder whether he might have to call it a day earlier than he'd like.

There are sportsmen who manage long-tern injuries, so perhaps he'll fall into that camp. Mike Atherton had chronic back problems, while Jacques Burger pretty much had to live in a freezer for a week after every match.

Still, it means he's late joining up with England, and will have even less preparation, which must raise some doubts about whether he can start.

beshocked wrote:If Clifford is struggling I hope Jackson Wray is called up in his place.

Played well vs Toulon.

No 7&1/2 wrote:Presumably Beaumont and Morgan would be next in line at 8. Yeah if we're thinking for 6 Wray equally or more down the line after the list of flankers brought in by Jones.

beshocked wrote:It's not just about playing the best, it's the context but anyway it's unlikely either will feature for England as things stand.

Wray is a 6 and 8 just like Clifford.

Now Geordiefalcon thinks Mark Wilson is but he's unproven vs the best.

At least Jackson Wray has performed well vs a star studded side like Toulon and he's been a mainstay in the Sarries squad.