Genge in recall to England colours
ELLIS Genge has been recalled to England’s squad for their RBS 6 Nations title defence just weeks after being dropped by Eddie Jones.
Genge broke into the national set-up last year, made his debut as a replacement against Wales in May and was an ever-present on the fringes of the team for the remainder of 2016 only to be axed from the Elite Player Squad on December 31.
Strong performances for Leicester against Munster, Saracens and Wasps have catapulted the combative front row back into contention, however.
Also present, having missed the two-day training camp in Brighton earlier this month, are flanker Jack Clifford, centre Henry Slade and lock Joe Launchbury.
Three uncapped players have been named in a squad notable for the lack of surprise picks with back row Mike Williams, prop Nathan Catt and fly-half Alex Lozowski included.
Catt is competing with Genge to supply loosehead cover for Matt Mullan, who profits himself from injuries to Mako Vunipola and Joe Marler.
Flanker James Haskell, lock Maro Itoje, wing Anthony Watson, back row Jack Clifford and wing Jack Nowell feature in the 34-man squad after missing the autumn through injury.
“I’ve been impressed with the three uncapped players named in the squad,” Jones said.
“They’re all guys who have great physical capabilities and they all have a desire to improve. With a number of injuries to some key players it’s a great opportunity for them.” England squad Forwards: N Catt (Bath), J Clifford (Harlequins), D Cole (Leicester), C Ewels (Bath), E Genge (Leicester), J George (Saracens), T Harrison (Northampton), D Hartley (Northampton), J Haskell, N Hughes (both Wasps), M Itoje, G Kruis (both Saracens), J Launchbury (Wasps), C Lawes (Northampton), J Marler (Harlequins), M Mullan (Wasps), K Sinckler (Harlequins), T Taylor (Wasps), M Williams (Leicester), T Wood (Northampton). Backs: M Brown, D Care (both Harlequins), E Daly (Wasps), O Farrell (Saracens), G Ford, J Joseph (Bath), A Lozowski (Saracens), J May (Gloucester), J Nowell, H Slade (both Exeter), B Te’o (Worcester), A Watson (Bath), M Yarde (Harlequins), B Youngs (Leicester).