Marchant misses out as Jones makes changes for Autumn Internationals
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Joe Marchant of Harlequins runs with the ball during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Leicester Tigers and Harlequins at Welford Road on May 15, 2021 in Leicester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)
Joe Marchant was among the missing names from England’s training squad as Eddie Jones tinkered with his squad for England’s Autumn International campaign.
Harlequins teammate Danny Care also misses out, which all-but confirms the end of his international career, whilst Harry Randall is also not selected at scrum-half.
The three scrum-halves Jones has decided to pick are Ben Youngs, Jack van Poortvliet and Alex Mitchell.
Mitchell’s Northampton teammates Alex Coles, Dave Ribbans and Fraser Dingwall are all included as uncapped players along with Tom Pearson, Hugh Tizard and Jack Walker.
Injuries to Maro Itoje and Alex Dombrandt mean they are both unavailable, but Jones has also omitted some big names with Joe Launchbury, Henry Slade, and Kyle Sinckler also left out.
The head coach felt that it would be a chance for those selected to establish themselves a year out from the World Cup, whilst also being crucial games to keep up England’s spirits after a successful summer.
Jones said: “With a year to go to the Rugby World Cup, this is a big opportunity for players to come in and impress.
“We want them to show real energy and enthusiasm and that they want to be a part of this massive year.
“It doesn’t mean that those who have been left out won’t be considered for the Autumn Nations Series matches. We’ll be looking at club games, form and fitness and the door is left open for those players.
“We finished the Australia tour well. It was a fantastic experience, particularly for the younger players. We now have to start again, but we’ll build on what we’ve done there and continue that momentum.”
