Saracens forgotten man Will Fraser nearing return says Mark McCall
Openside Fraser was on England‘s radar but missed virtually the whole of last season through hamstring and back problems.
Rugby director Mark McCall told TRP: “Will had his first full-on training session with the first team last Tuesday and should be available for our pre-season friendlies.
“And if he can stay injury-free now he can get himself up there alongside the likes of Owen Farrell, George Kruis and Jamie George.”
McCall is delighted to contribute eight of England’s World Cup squad – the highest representation of any club.
Brad Barritt, Richard Wigglesworth, Alex Goode and the Vunipola brothers, Mako and Billy, feature in England’s 31 along with Farrell, Kruis and George.
“We’re really pleased for the players involved, particularly guys like George and Jamie who’ve made it in after a phenomenal last 12 months,” said McCall. “It’s great to see them with England, we’re very proud and it provides fantastic inspiration to guys coming behind them in our academy.”
International recognition means Saracens are without 16 players involved in the various World Cup squads, but McCall insists they can cope.
He said: “We don’t want to pick up injuries in pre-season but we’ve got a big group of players and this will provide opportunities for others.
“Ben Spencer and Nick Tompkins will play a big part, while Nathan Earle is back after his Achilles injury and we’re excited by him.”
McCall believes Earle and former England Sevens wing Mike Ellery are more than capable of filling the gap left by departed wide man Dave Strettle.
He added: “That’s why we didn’t go into the market for a winger. Nathan’s got huge potential and we didn’t want to hold any of that back and Mike’s had a fantastic year of learning. We’ve high hopes for him.”
NEALE HARVEY
