TUILAGI SNUB
Jones opts not to recall English ace
MANU Tuilagi has been omitted from England’s 34-man training squad which will act as the first step in their preparations for the Six Nations.
The Leicester centre has recently returned to action following a threemonth lay-off due to knee surgery but has been overlooked by England head coach Eddie Jones for a two-day camp in Brighton in the new year
Tuilagi, 26, was dismissed from England’s training camp in August in disgrace after undertaking a late night drinking session, although Denny Solomona, also sent home after that incident, has been included in this trip which starts on New Year’s Day.
Bath prop Beno Obano and Newcastle openside flanker Gary Graham have received their maiden international callups as England build towards their Six Nations opener against Italy on February 4.
Jones said: ‘This camp is important for us to set the tone as a squad ahead of the Six Nations. We will need to improve if we are to hunt down our opponents and beat them.’
‘Brighton will provide a great base to begin our preparations with players coming away with a clear plan for our opening match of the campaign.’
No 8 Billy Vunipola has been recalled after being sidelined for the November internationals while there is also a return for Wasps flanker James Haskell. Northampton lock Courtney Lawes will miss the camp for personal reasons while there is no room for Saracens duo Alex Lozowski and George Kruis.