Michael Rhodes and Nick Schonert have been included in England’s 36-man training squad in preparation for their four home Tests in November.
Rhodes, who previously played for the Sharks, Lions and Stormers, and Schonert, who represented the Sharks, Griquas and Cheetahs, are two of four uncapped players called up to the squad. The others are wings Nathan Earle and Joe Cokanasiga.
Backs Chris Ashton and Manu Tuilagi, who last played for England in 2014 and 2016 respectively, are also back in the mix, while Danny Care, George Kruis, Zach Mercer and Jack Nowell all return to the squad for the first time this season.
Mercurial flyhalf Danny Cipriani has been left out of the squad despite his excellent form for Gloucester in the opening rounds of the English Premiership. Last month, Cipriani was charged with common assault and resisting arrest. He was fined after pleading guilty to both charges.
‘It’s a chance to get the players thinking about England and the way we want to play for England, and the way we want to beat South Africa,’ said coach Eddie Jones. ‘These players have the opportunity to press their chances for selection ahead of the first Test so they will have to be enthusiastic and ready to give their best.’
England hosts the Springboks, All Blacks, Japan and Australia at Twickenham in November.
England squad – Tom Curry, Jamie George, Dylan Hartley, Nathan Hughes, Nick Isiekwe, Maro Itoje, George Kruis, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Joe Marler, Zach Mercer, Michael Rhodes, Chris Robshaw, Nick Schonert, Brad Shields, Kyle Sinckler, Billy Vunipola, Mako Vunipola, Harry Williams, Mark Wilson, Chris Ashton, Mike Brown, Danny Care, Joe Cokanasiga, Elliot Daly, Nathan Earle, Owen Farrell, George Ford, Alex Lozowski, Jonny May, Jack Nowell, Dan Robson, Henry Slade, Ben Te’o, Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs.
Photo: Stephen Pond/Getty Images
