[poyntonshark]

England Rugby World Cup squad announcement

Forwards:
Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 86 caps) **
Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 12 caps)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 11 caps)
Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 10 caps)
Jamie George (Saracens, 37 caps) *
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 27 caps)
George Kruis (Saracens, 32 caps) *
Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 59 caps) *
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 72 caps) **
Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
Joe Marler (Harlequins, 58 caps) *
Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins, 22 caps)
Jack Singleton (Saracens, 1 cap)
Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 9 caps)
Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 42 caps) *
Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 53 caps) *
Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons / Sale Sharks, 13 caps)

Backs:
Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby, 5 caps)
Elliot Daly (Saracens, 31 caps)
Owen Farrell (Saracens, 70 caps) *
George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 56 caps) *
Piers Francis (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
Willi Heinz (Gloucester Rugby, 1 cap)
Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 41 caps) *
Jonny May (Leicester Tigers, 45 caps) *
Ruaridh McConnochie (Bath Rugby, uncapped)
Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 33 caps) *
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 22 caps) *
Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers, 33 caps) *
Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 34 caps) *
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 86 caps) **

* number of Rugby World Cup tournaments played


No real surprises I suppose, as EJ had already delivered those. Te'o getting the boot completely maybe a bit of a shock, McConnochie ahead of more experienced options perhaps.

[MikeGC]

For me the biggest surprise is the fabulous squad announcement video, well done RFU (not something I have said very often)

[Oldgrayseadog]

Agree! Great to see the RFU's recognition of the part grassroots clubs, mini and junior sections, and schools play in the game. Such a shame they fail to back this up when they decide upon their budgets.

[Flumpty]

Agree! Great to see the RFU's recognition of the part grassroots clubs, mini and junior sections, and schools play in the game. Such a shame they fail to back this up when they decide upon their budgets.

The slashing of clubs travelling allowances and redundancies have really hit the grassroots clubs, but hey ho, the Bolly at Twickers for the Blazer Boys wil keep on flowing.

[Monty9]

I missed this last week and not seen it posted on here so thought I would share, if you have 10 minutes free watch this video introducing the England Squad and the grassroots clubs they came from. Great video...