Jones’s options restricted as 12 uncapped players picked
EDDIE JONES has been restricted to selecting from only half the Gallagher Premiership for his latest England training squad due to a chaotic climax to the regular league season.
Jones has been unable to select from six clubs because of this weekend’s play- offs – the top four of Exeter, Wasps, Bristol and Bath, plus Sale and Worcester after their final- round match was postponed until tomorrow.
The Sharks could yet qualify for the semi- finals if the AJ Bell Stadium clash does go ahead, despite being afflicted by an outbreak of coronavirus that has seen 16 of their players test positive.
It has severely restricted Jones’ options, so England’s head coach has given six players their first appearance in a senior squad among 12 uncapped prospects as preparations begin for a busy autumn schedule that opens against the Barbarians on October 25.
The28- stronggroupwillgather in south west London for a threeday camp this week with Saracens wing Ali Crossdale, Gloucester No 8 Jack Clement, Leicester prop Joe Heyes, Harlequins prop Simon Kerrod, Gloucester flanker Lewis Ludlow and Northampton lock David Ribbans picked by Jones for the first time.
Their target will be selection for the non- cap international against the Barbarians at Twickenham, which launches a schedule that continues with the conclusion of the 2020 Six Nations against Italy six days later and then the Autumn Nations Cup.
Northampton are represented by a six- strong contingent of those not forced to self- isolate in the wake of last week’s clash with Sale, but flanker Lewis Ludlam is required to quarantine and so misses out.
Some of England’s biggest names are present due to Saracens’ relegation from the Premiership as punishment for repeated salary cap breeches, among them the experienced Owen Farrell, Billy Vunipola and Elliot Daly.
The trip to Rome will be their focus with the Six Nations title still up for grabs.
Another squad will be named for the second camp next week, when Jones will be able to call on players from the beaten Premiership semi- finalists, plus Worcester
and the club that failed to make the top four.
“Our preparation to build the team for the Italy game starts now,” said Jones. “We have a three- day camp this week and another one next week then we’re into the week of our Quilter Cup match against the Barbarians.
“We’ll be slowly building up, working on the basics and working on team cohesion. This autumn we want to play for the fans and give them something to smile about.”
Meanwhile, Worcester boss Alan Solomons says a decision must be made “in the best interests of players, staff and families” about whether tomorrow’s delayed game against Sale Sharks goes ahead.
Solomons said: “That decision is taken purely in what is in the best interests of players, staff and families.
“This is a major decision. It is certainly a red flag to have 19 people test positive.”
Sale need a bonus- point victory over Worcester to book a Premiership play- off appointment with Wasps next weekend.
If they win without a bonus, it will be Exeter away, and should they lose, then Sale are out and Bath progress.
Warriors rugby director Solomons added: “The north of England is an area where the virus is on the increase.
“There are the circumstances there with a definitive cluster of 19 people, second wave, and they need to take a decision.
“It is their decision, and they bear the consequences of those decisions.”
Solomons continued: “We just need to get some clarity and certainty. Premiership Rugby need to make a decision, working in conjunction with the RFU and Public Health England.
“We are preparing ( for the Sale game) and have done everything correctly. If the game is played, we will be well up for the fixture. Nobody need be concerned.”