England's strength in depth...and who makes their RWC squad?

by Guest Thu 11 Apr 2019, 8:52 pm

First topic message reminder :

Mirroring the thread I did for Wales, England have had huge strength in depth for the last 9 years or so. Under Lancaster it seemed to be a hindrance as much as a strength, with no-one really leaping out to claim key positions, cycling through the likes of Twelvetrees, Burrell, Barritt etc. in the centre.

Now, it feels like England do have some real test quality players who have grabbed shirts with both hands and are nailed on: the Vunipolas, Tuilagi, Lawes, and latterly players like May, Curry, and Underhill.

With that in mind...who makes England's 31 man squad based on who's fit and available (as well as who's out injured)? If you want to include who you'd personally pick as well that'd be interesting, but who do England fans think will be in that squad in Japan?

Also, who is in the starting 23 and who are the 6-7 reserve players who stand a good chance of a call up?

I've done it for Wales in the Wales thread - think it's looking very settled, with a few first 15 positions up for debate depending on opposition. From the outside England's squad looks a lot less settled or certain.

Squads ten to be:

17-18 forwards
5 Props
2 or 3 Hookers
5 Second rows
5 or 6 Back rowers

13-14 Backs
3 Scrum-halves
2-3 Fly-halves
3 Centres
5 Back 3

So who/what is the current England squad?

by **Rugby Fan** Tue 18 Jun 2019, 12:22 pm

Gooseberry wrote:bear in mind that the training squads/EPS have historically been in that low 30's range until the agreed change in 2018 (?) which effectively ended the Saxons but bought the senior EPS up to 45.

Lancaster named a World Cup training group of 50 in May, and then reduced it to 45 in July, before taking them to Denver.

Johnson named 45 in June, and then cut to 40 in August, before the warm-ups.

by robbo277 Tue 18 Jun 2019, 12:25 pm

Gooseberry wrote:
robbo277 wrote:
Rugby Fan wrote:In an article by Charlie Morgan about Jones' scrum-half selections, he says this:

Telegraph Sport understands that Jones is likely to cycle players in and out of camp so that there are never too many more than 35 training. He has previously voiced his preference for fewer individuals to go through more repetitions, especially in playmaking roles.

Should Willi Heinz of Gloucester pop in, for instance, you would expect Spencer and Robson – fitness permitting – to still be jostling for a single position beneath Youngs.

There's something to be said for not having players hanging around, feeling they can't make their case but I do wonder how that works in practice. If you get cycled out as a player, are you dumped, or kicking your heels at home, waiting to get called back? Are you paid for being named in a wider training squad, or only for the time you are actually in camp?

I assume you'll go back to your club to do your club pre-season? Then when you get the call you've got a limited window to prove yourself?

A different way of doing things, probably pro's and con's both ways. One of the main pro's being that he gets more of a chance to look at people, but I guess the con is getting units together? Unless he's going to do a core 15-20 and cycle players in around them?

bear in mind that the training squads/EPS have historically been in that low 30's range until the agreed change in 2018 (?) which effectively ended the Saxons but bought the senior EPS up to 45.

But did he ever call up 45 for his training squads? In which case I guess it's business as usual.

by No 7&1/2 Tue 18 Jun 2019, 12:54 pm

Theres very few players in the England squad and especially team that you can get too upset over if they're dropped or find themselves in the bench. Both vunipolas George itoje Farrell and May I'd be shocked if fit that they didn't start. A short whole ago I'd have said youngs as well but I think Spencer is so close now. The rest is down to what type of player or what aspect you're looking for.

by propdavid_london Tue 18 Jun 2019, 12:59 pm

Is there any chance that come the WC - EJ will revert back to the Ford @10 and Faz @12 option that worked so well earlier in Eddies tenure?

Ford was playing very well in a poor tigers side.
Faz has had a few blips @10 for England in 6N. Admittedly he's looked good in a sarries shirt.

But its was that unpredictability at 10 and 12 that caused so many problems for defenders - Ford with the silky hands and Faz with his tactical kicking.
When Joseph was fit and firing it worked well - Slade offers even more creativity from 13 too.
Put Teo or Tuilagi on the bench to change the gameplan if needed.

Most comments I read makes me think that we are back to one or the other - its either Ford or Faz, not both.

by robbo277 Tue 18 Jun 2019, 1:13 pm

propdavid_london wrote:Is there any chance that come the WC - EJ will revert back to the Ford @10 and Faz @12 option that worked so well earlier in Eddies tenure?

Ford was playing very well in a poor tigers side.
Faz has had a few blips @10 for England in 6N. Admittedly he's looked good in a sarries shirt.

But its was that unpredictability at 10 and 12 that caused so many problems for defenders - Ford with the silky hands and Faz with his tactical kicking.
When Joseph was fit and firing it worked well - Slade offers even more creativity from 13 too.
Put Teo or Tuilagi on the bench to change the gameplan if needed.

Most comments I read makes me think that we are back to one or the other - its either Ford or Faz, not both.

The buzz at the start of Eddie's tenure was also about the finishers - and Ford/Farrell is in the current configuration a finishing option. I think that control at the end of the game can be very useful, especially late in a World Cup knockout game, or in extra time.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 19 Jun 2019, 7:08 am

According to the Times, Joe Marler is in the summer EPS as one of four loose heads. However as squad is being named in 3 tranches based on when the players season finished, we will not know for sure for another two weeks. First group to be named this week.

by king_carlos Thu 20 Jun 2019, 12:20 am

LondonTiger wrote:According to the Times, Joe Marler is in the summer EPS as one of four loose heads. However as squad is being named in 3 tranches based on when the players season finished, we will not know for sure for another two weeks. First group to be named this week.

If correct you'd presume that Hepburn has missed out.

Mako, Marler, Moon and Genge.

by **LondonTiger** Thu 20 Jun 2019, 6:36 am

29 players due to be named today from those teams who did not make playoffs. Apparently there will never be more than 35 in the training camps, so as more are added others will be left out. Continuing suggestions that Hartley, Care, Robshaw and Hughes have not made the cut.

by **Rugby Fan** Thu 20 Jun 2019, 7:32 am

LondonTiger wrote:29 players due to be named today from those teams who did not make playoffs. Apparently there will never be more than 35 in the training camps, so as more are added others will be left out. Continuing suggestions that Hartley, Care, Robshaw and Hughes have not made the cut.

I've just remembered how frustrating this part of the World Cup build-up can be. We never get any decent feedback about who is doing well in training, so I'd almost prefer to just fast forward to the warm-up matches, or even right up to the final squad selection, and have it as a fait accompli.

by Cumbrian Thu 20 Jun 2019, 10:12 am

The BBC reporting that Hartley is very likely to miss out, due to a knee injury. You would assume that this is probably the end of his England career.

Same article is stating that Robshaw is out but Lewis Ludlam is in, which is a curious call, but like some of the others not likely to get on the plane. Dombrandt in the first set of 29 too apparently.

by No 7&1/2 Thu 20 Jun 2019, 10:43 am

Think it will be in part get some bodies into training to replicate what they're going to be up against in the opposition and possible a little gander for the near future.

by **LondonTiger** Thu 20 Jun 2019, 11:13 am

Cumbrian wrote:The BBC reporting that Hartley is very likely to miss out, due to a knee injury. You would assume that this is probably the end of his England career.

Same article is stating that Robshaw is out but Lewis Ludlam is in, which is a curious call, but like some of the others not likely to get on the plane. Dombrandt in the first set of 29 too apparently.

Dombrandt and Ludlum being mentioned in a number of places. Not sure how Dombrandt can be included in the first tranche as he still has two and a bit weeks of his summer break left.

by **LondonTiger** Thu 20 Jun 2019, 12:03 pm

England men’s head coach Eddie Jones has announced a squad of 29 players to attend a training camp at Pennyhill Park next week (23-27 June 2019).

Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints), Ruaridh McConnochie (Bath Rugby) and Val Rapava Ruskin (Gloucester Rugby) receive their first call up to an England senior men’s training squad.

The week is the first of two training camps, held at Pennyhill Park and the Lensbury (30 June-4 July), before the first official Rugby World Cup training camp begins on 7 July at the Lensbury.
Players attending the camp at Pennyhill Park will not have featured in the Gallagher Premiership semi-finals or final, outside of Ludlam and Rapava Ruskin. Both players and a small number involved in the Quilter Cup match against the Barbarians will be managed to ensure their post-season active rest periods are fulfilled in agreement with Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players Association.
George Kruis (Saracens) and Mako Vunipola (Saracens) will be in camp for treatment.

World Cup squad announcement

Jones said: “The first two England training camps are designed to improve individual players’ fundamentals to allow them to compete for a place in the Rugby World Cup squad.”

England’s official Rugby World Cup training squad will be announced by Jones at Japan House on Thursday 4 July.

England will play Wales (11 August) and Ireland (24 August) at Twickenham Stadium and Italy (6 September) in Newcastle as part of the Quilter Internationals as well as an away fixture against Wales (17 August) in Cardiff.

England will travel to Treviso, Italy for a heat camp from 22 July until 2 August before returning to Italy on 28 August until 5 September.

The squad will also be based in Bristol for a week in July (14-18) and in August (12-16) ahead of England’s away match against Wales. For the two matches against Wales and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, the squad will train at Pennyhill Park.

England training squad

Forwards
Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Tom Dunn (Bath Rugby), Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby), Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints), Val Rapava Ruskin (Gloucester Rugby), Nick Schonert (Worcester Warriors), Brad Shields (Wasps), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), Jack Singleton (Worcester Warriors), Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby), Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons).

Backs
Chris Ashton (Sale Sharks), Mike Brown (Harlequins), Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby), Elliot Daly (Wasps), George Ford (Leicester Tigers), Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby), Jonny May (Leicester Tigers), Ruaridh McConnochie (Bath Rugby), Dan Robson (Wasps), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors), Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers).

by **Rugby Fan** Thu 20 Jun 2019, 12:07 pm

Main disappointment is no Cipriani.

by Rinsure Thu 20 Jun 2019, 12:11 pm

Rugby Fan wrote:Main disappointment is no Cipriani.

"Players from losing semi-finalists Gloucester and Northampton Saints will join the camp next week."

From the Sky piece. Seems odd, though, to see Ludlam and Rapava Ruskin there, then...

by **Rugby Fan** Thu 20 Jun 2019, 12:15 pm

Rinsure wrote:
Rugby Fan wrote:Main disappointment is no Cipriani.

"Players from losing semi-finalists Gloucester and Northampton Saints will join the camp next week."

From the Sky piece. Seems odd, though, to see Ludlam and Rapava Ruskin there, then...

Sorry, didn't read that bit. I immediately assumed the selection of Marcus Smith meant Cipriani would be overlooked. Hope not, as I thought he was kept out of the Barbarians match to be available for the camps

by **LondonTiger** Thu 20 Jun 2019, 12:26 pm

I suspect Ludlum and Rapava Ruskin are only there to cover for other players still not available in positions where otherwise we would be short. They will be released very quickly once all available.

Next weeks training squad by position:

LH Genge, Rapava Ruskin
Hooker: Dunn, Singleton
TH: Cole, Schonert, Sinckler
Second Row: Ewels, Launchbury
Back Row: Curry, Dombrandt, Ludlum, Shields, Underhill, Wilson

SH: Robson, Youngs
FH: Ford, Smith
Centres: Joseph, Te'o, Tuilagi
Back 3: Ashton, Brown, Cokanasiga, Daly, May, McConnochie, Watson

by **LondonTiger** Thu 20 Jun 2019, 12:28 pm

Players who can be called up next week for second camp:

Lawes, Francis, Heinz, Cipriani + ... ?

by Gooseberry Thu 20 Jun 2019, 12:29 pm

Rugby Fan wrote:
Rinsure wrote:
Rugby Fan wrote:Main disappointment is no Cipriani.

"Players from losing semi-finalists Gloucester and Northampton Saints will join the camp next week."

From the Sky piece. Seems odd, though, to see Ludlam and Rapava Ruskin there, then...

Sorry, didn't read that bit. I immediately assumed the selection of Marcus Smith meant Cipriani would be overlooked. Hope not, as I thought he was kept out of the Barbarians match to be available for the camps

Im assuming quite a chunk of that squad will go once everyone from the top 4 clubs has had a nap. The forwards in particular is packed with off the radar names.

by No 7&1/2 Thu 20 Jun 2019, 12:38 pm

Really pleased for Robson. I think Youngs is under real pressure from him and Spencer now.

by Rinsure Thu 20 Jun 2019, 12:40 pm

No 7&1/2 wrote:Really pleased for Robson. I think Youngs is under real pressure from him and Spencer now.

Is Robson completely clear of the issue now? I haven't seen any statement like that (but I've not really been on the lookout). I guess we have to assume so, if he's selected!

Can't think of any more likely to be added from Glos / Saints other than those LT. The main influx will be the Sarries lot the week after.

by No 7&1/2 Thu 20 Jun 2019, 12:42 pm

Not that I've seen just assuming as the other injuries are highlighted.

by WELL-PAST-IT Thu 20 Jun 2019, 12:44 pm

According to the BeeB

"However Leicester prop Dan Cole and Harlequins full-back Mike Brown, both surplus to requirements of late, have made the squad, while Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson has recovered from deep vein thrombosis."

If he has he has done remarkably well, I thought he was on blood thinners for 6 months and then monitored for sometime after. I would have expected a year out at least.

by **LondonTiger** Thu 20 Jun 2019, 12:48 pm

Rinsure wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:Really pleased for Robson. I think Youngs is under real pressure from him and Spencer now.

Is Robson completely clear of the issue now? I haven't seen any statement like that (but I've not really been on the lookout). I guess we have to assume so, if he's selected!

Can't think of any more likely to be added from Glos / Saints other than those LT. The main influx will be the Sarries lot the week after.

Sarries and Exeter will add:

George, Itoje, Billy, Spencer, Farrell, Moon, Hepburn, LCD, Williams & Slade into the mix (with Mako and Kruis effectively named and Nowell only just starting post surgery recovery). Others under consideration could include Isiekwe, Earl, Armand, Simmonds & Devoto.

One interesting omission is Zak Mercer who seemed to have made a positive impression during the AIs yet has disappeared.

by Geordie Thu 20 Jun 2019, 1:08 pm

Interesting mark is still listed as being with us...wonder whats going on with him.

by **LondonTiger** Thu 20 Jun 2019, 1:18 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:Interesting mark is still listed as being with us...wonder whats going on with him.

Singleton and Te'o are still listed as Worcester - due to contracts running to end of June perhaps.

by Rinsure Thu 20 Jun 2019, 1:27 pm

Likewise Daly is listed as "Wasps"...

by robbo277 Thu 20 Jun 2019, 2:28 pm

I don't know what to make of this squad. I think the best bet is just to pretend it's not happening. It's largely irrelevant.

Rugby Fan wrote:I've just remembered how frustrating this part of the World Cup build-up can be. We never get any decent feedback about who is doing well in training, so I'd almost prefer to just fast forward to the warm-up matches, or even right up to the final squad selection, and have it as a fait accompli.

This really rings true now. Envious of France fans, just having the 31 man squad named straight off the bat. Eddie's obviously planned the summer out and how he's going to get everyone up to speed and how he's going to compare players competing for the last spots, but we have no clue what he is building towards. Trying to interpret his moves from here will just confuse and irritate!

by **LondonTiger** Thu 20 Jun 2019, 2:32 pm

July 4th is the first important day in terms of naming squads.

by No 7&1/2 Fri 21 Jun 2019, 10:13 am

Apparently Nowell will be for for the world cup but cant help feel with the competition he has that he'll be selected unless theres other injuries.

by Geordie Fri 21 Jun 2019, 1:32 pm

We dont have a winger / back 3 player like Nowell...if he's fit to play a brutal world cup series then he goes. His performance in the Prem Final at FB has made me think we missed a chance blooding him at 15 rather than Daly some time ago

That Rhaurid Mconocie is some player mind isnt he.

I wonder if Jones is tempted to take Dombrandt for his physicality and size and carrying ability. Hughes has flattered to decieve in that roll. He could be a wild card. Imagine throwing him on for a run out with 20 to go.

by bluestonevedder Fri 21 Jun 2019, 1:37 pm

Dombrandt's inclusion is really exciting. It would be brilliant if he were included in the final squad, both from an England perspective but also in terms of his rapid rise through the ranks. What a year he's had!

by Geordie Fri 21 Jun 2019, 1:55 pm

We have a number of huge brusing 6's coming through alongside some genuine 7's.

Our back row is potentially going to be a huge strength in the next few years.

by No 7&1/2 Fri 21 Jun 2019, 2:24 pm

I thought that Willis was the only guy capable of coming from no where (yes most of us who are England and club fans know these youngsters) but Dombrandt has. I said after the Baa Baas he stood a chance. Given Hughes is missing and there is no Mercer I think hes there as Vunipola cover and very real chance of starting 6.

by Geordie Fri 21 Jun 2019, 3:10 pm

Agree 7.5.

Imagine a back row of:
6 Underhill
7 Dombrandt
8 Billy V

Thats got some serious physicality.

Then imagine bringing the fantastic ability of Curry in to the frame and Wilsons engine etc and we suddenly have a few options for different styles of back rows.

by No 7&1/2 Fri 21 Jun 2019, 3:21 pm

Remember a few short years ago how our back row options looked.

by bluestonevedder Fri 21 Jun 2019, 3:24 pm

Too many players, not enough backrow slots now!

by Poorfour Fri 21 Jun 2019, 3:31 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:Agree 7.5.

Imagine a back row of:
6 Underhill
7 Dombrandt
8 Billy V

Thats got some serious physicality.

Then imagine bringing the fantastic ability of Curry in to the frame and Wilsons engine etc and we suddenly have a few options for different styles of back rows.

Dombrandt isn't a 7. He's a good 6, but his best position is probably 8. I think he could be very useful as a bench player given he offers a very different style from Billy. He can do the power carrying but also drawing the man and offloading, and he's deceptively quick.

by No 7&1/2 Fri 21 Jun 2019, 3:32 pm

Not seen much in regards a lineout option. It's the big thing missing. Is he?

by Geordie Fri 21 Jun 2019, 3:33 pm

Sorry should have those t'other way round...6/7

by **LondonTiger** Fri 21 Jun 2019, 3:43 pm

With reference to Dombrandt I point to this line from the RFU announcement:

Both players and a small number involved in the Quilter Cup match against the Barbarians will be managed to ensure their post-season active rest periods are fulfilled in agreement with Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players Association.

This suggests that Rapava Ruskin, Ludlum, Smith and Dombrandt will all have weeks off later in the summer. I would argue that their chances of making the final squad are lower than if they had been named to join the squad after they had finished their rest period.

by Poorfour Fri 21 Jun 2019, 4:20 pm

LondonTiger wrote:With reference to Dombrandt I point to this line from the RFU announcement:

Both players and a small number involved in the Quilter Cup match against the Barbarians will be managed to ensure their post-season active rest periods are fulfilled in agreement with Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players Association.

This suggests that Rapava Ruskin, Ludlum, Smith and Dombrandt will all have weeks off later in the summer. I would argue that their chances of making the final squad are lower than if they had been named to join the squad after they had finished their rest period.

It's been reported that Eddie is planning to keep the squad size tight at any given point in time and rotate players through. It's very possible that he will give them their rest weeks when he brings the Premiership Semi/Final players into the squad. I still think they have a slim chance of making the final cut, but I think that's because of lack of experience rather than timing of call up.

by **LondonTiger** Sat 22 Jun 2019, 8:57 am

It feels to me though P4, especially with Smith and VPR, that the call ups were more to ensure that positions were covered before the usual faces are added later.

by Poorfour Sat 22 Jun 2019, 10:21 am

LondonTiger wrote:It feels to me though P4, especially with Smith and VPR, that the call ups were more to ensure that positions were covered before the usual faces are added later.

I think that’s far and away the most likely outcome, but Eddie’s not been afraid of taking big gambles when he’s seen something he likes. If they’re in the squad, they have a chance - however slim.

by Cumbrian Sat 22 Jun 2019, 4:51 pm

A few England U20 players enhanced their reputation, in an ultimately frustrating/disappointing tournament. I may be biased, but Josh Hodge is a fantastic player. He is absolutely dead eyed from the kicking tee, electric in attack and he can act as a second play maker too. When he puts a little more meat on his bones he is going to be an important player for Newcastle. Well, for a couple of years at least. Rolling Eyes

Ted Hill looked good in today's game against Wales, he had more power than I previously gave him credit for. Seems to have a hard edge to him, which will benefit him in senior rugby. I reckon he will provide another selection headache for England in the not too distanr future. He will also be an important player for Worcester, before his inevitable departure to Leicester, Saints or Gloucester.

I was impressed by Hayes too. He is a strong scrummager, and has a ball playing ability that modern props need. Although I am maybe seeing what I want to see, England need some dominant young tighheads because players like Hill and Thomas don't seem to have kicked on.

by Geordie Sat 22 Jun 2019, 10:00 pm

Josh Hodge is class.

A few pounds on him and he could be the full back the England senior team is looking for.

Let's hope the vultures all keep their grubby mits off

by maestegmafia Sun 23 Jun 2019, 9:31 pm

Reuters News wrote:England's Ashton pulls out of training squad for family reasons
England winger Chris Ashton has withdrawn from their 29-man World Cup training squad for family reasons but will not be replaced, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) said on Sunday.
Sale Sharks' Ashton was named in Eddie Jones' training squad ahead of the World Cup in Japan this year, with the team set to assemble at Pennyhill Park on Sunday for the first of two camps.
However, the former Toulon player said he could not be away from his wife Melissa who is pregnant with their second child.
"When I returned from Toulon last season it was for two reasons; firstly for my family and secondly to try and realise the dream of playing for England again," Ashton, who has been capped 44 times for England, said in an RFU statement www.englandrugby.com/news/ashton-withdraws-from-training-squad.
"Pulling on the white shirt is always special, I'm grateful to Eddie for giving me the opportunity to have done so again.
"My wife, Melissa, is pregnant with our second child and I don't feel it's right for me to commit to being away in camp at this stage."
England's second training camp will be held at the Lensbury (June 30-July 4).
The Rugby World Cup begins on Sept. 20 with England facing Tonga in their opening Pool C encounter in Sapporo two days later.
(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru, editing by Pritha Sarkar)

by **Rugby Fan** Mon 24 Jun 2019, 12:41 am

maestegmafia wrote:
Reuters News wrote:England's Ashton pulls out of training squad for family reasons
England winger Chris Ashton has withdrawn from their 29-man World Cup training squad for family reasons but will not be replaced, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) said on Sunday.
Sale Sharks' Ashton was named in Eddie Jones' training squad ahead of the World Cup in Japan this year, with the team set to assemble at Pennyhill Park on Sunday for the first of two camps.
However, the former Toulon player said he could not be away from his wife Melissa who is pregnant with their second child.
"When I returned from Toulon last season it was for two reasons; firstly for my family and secondly to try and realise the dream of playing for England again," Ashton, who has been capped 44 times for England, said in an RFU statement www.englandrugby.com/news/ashton-withdraws-from-training-squad.
"Pulling on the white shirt is always special, I'm grateful to Eddie for giving me the opportunity to have done so again.
"My wife, Melissa, is pregnant with our second child and I don't feel it's right for me to commit to being away in camp at this stage."
England's second training camp will be held at the Lensbury (June 30-July 4).
The Rugby World Cup begins on Sept. 20 with England facing Tonga in their opening Pool C encounter in Sapporo two days later.
(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru, editing by Pritha Sarkar)

Telegraph says that ends Ashton's chances. Has he pulled out completely, with no plans to try and rejoin the squad? His chances were always going to be slim, as competition on the wing is fierce, and he had a quiet season with Sale.

by **LondonTiger** Mon 24 Jun 2019, 8:27 am

Ashton was in the press a week or so ago stating he would not be in the WC squad as Eddie had not spoken to him for months. Despite outward appearances he is an ins cure guy who needs to feel loved. I suspect he has decid d he would only be at Pennyhill to make up the numbers and has thus made his decision.

by Rinsure Mon 24 Jun 2019, 9:26 am

So removing Ashton from the back 3 equation leaves us looking at probably five from:

- May (definite)
- Daly (definite)
- Watson (probable)
- Brown (likely)
- Nowell (likely)
- Cokanasiga (possible)
- Thorley (possible)

Anyone missing?

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