News

Jones names squad of 25 ahead of Wales fixture

EddieJOnesSB2000
Eddie Jones has retained the services of 25 players ahead of England’s return to Guinness Six Nations action in Cardiff on Saturday.

Eddie Jones has retained the services of 25 players ahead of England’s return to Guinness Six Nations action in Cardiff on Saturday.

With impressive wins over Ireland and France in their opening two fixtures of the Championship, England will look to pick up from where they left off when they face the only other unbeaten side, Wales, on the road.

After sustaining damage to his medial ligament during England’s opener in Dublin, Maro Itoje will continue his recovery at Pennyhill Park, instead targeting a Round 4 return when England welcome Italy to Twickenham.

Joe Cokanasiga will look to make his Championship debut at Principality Stadium in the absence of Chris Ashton, who set up Jonny May’s second score against France in Round 2.

Meanwhile, Ben Earl, Jack Singleton and Ollie Thorley – who were all looking for their first England caps –miss out on selection for the 25, while Ellis Genge is set to feature in place of injured Mako Vunipola, who has been ruled out of the Championship.

Forwards Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers), Jamie George (Saracens), Nathan Hughes (Wasps), George Kruis (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Ben Moon (Exeter Chiefs), Brad Shields (Wasps), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs), Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons)

Backs Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby), Elliot Daly (Wasps), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Leicester Tigers), Jonny May (Leicester Tigers), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), Dan Robson (Wasps), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors), Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)