Jones adds back-row beef to menu
EDDIE JONES has thrown an international lifeline to James Haskell and welcomed Billy Vunipola back into the England fold ahead of his squad’s latest training camp.
But the England coach has left the fit-again Manu Tuilagi out of a 34-man squad that will attend a two-day get-together in Brighton, starting on Monday.
Back-rowers Haskell and Vunipola both missed the autumn internationals, the Wasp because he was dropped while the Saracens No 8 was sidelined with a knee injury. Vunipola has not played since September 23 but his club expect him to be back in action for their trip to Wasps next Sunday along with Maro Itoje, who will also be in Brighton despite his broken jaw.
Jones has called up Newcastle flanker Gary Graham in the absence of the injured Sam Underhill and Sale’s Tom Curry, and there is a shock summons for the 23-year-old Bath prop Beno Obano. Saracens pair George Kruis and Alex Lozowski miss out.
Haskell feared his 75-cap career was over when Jones visited him at home ahead of the autumn campaign to tell him he was being axed.
But he has battled back with some consistent displays for Wasps and has a shot at being named in the Six Nations squad, which is announced on January 18. Vunipola is a certainty if he stays fit. England kick off their bid for a record-breaking third Six Nations title on the spin against Italy in Rome 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 against Italy.”