Naulago in Jones’ England

Bristol Bears flyer Ratu Naulago could become the next South Sea Islander to be given a chance to impress by England coach Eddie Jones. The Fijian, who is on an extended leave from the Yorkshire Regiment, joined the Bears on a two-year contract last summer and is qualified to play for England. Naulago, 28, who played sevens for Bath and Saracens before joining Super League Hull FC, has scored seven tries for the Bears so far this season to get onto Jones’ radar.

The speedster took Super League by storm scoring 17 tries in 26 games, before signing with Bristol Bears for the 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership season.

The 28-year-old is a serving soldier in the British Army and has been given a temporary release from active service to pursue his opportunity in professional sport. After losing to South Africa in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, Jones has been looking for young bloods to boost his campaign with the target being 2023 RWC in France. He will be a winger to be reckon with in England clours.

Last weekend, Jones was monitoring potential candidates in the Gallagher Premiership competition. He was at Welford Road where the Leicester Tigers beat the Newcastle Falcons convincingly. Jones has also identified Marcus Smith (Harlequins) and Joe Simmonds (Exeter) among the potential England debutants. Jones said after the dismal 18-32 defeat by Ireland he would be making changes to his England squad – if he stays in the role.