Cherry and Whites draw a blank for Six Nations openers
OLLIE Thorley will have to wait for his England debut.
The Gloucester wing has not been retained in the 25-man squad to prepare for their Six Nations opener against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.
Thorley has been training with the squad in Portugal over the last week after being handed his senior first call-up due to his fine form, which saw him win the Premiership’s player of the month award for November.
England head coach Eddie Jones has opted for more experienced options in his back three though with former Gloucester wing Jonny May, Jack Nowell, Elliot Daly, Chris Ashton and Mike Brown among his options.
It means Gloucester will have no players involved in the opening weekend of the Six Nations.
Thorley was the only player named in the initial 35-man England squad with the likes of Danny Cipriani and Ben Morgan left out.
Owen Williams was also overlooked by Wales, while Italy international Jake Polledri is currently out injured.
Thorley could now be available for Gloucester’s Premiership Rugby Cup game against Bath at The Rec on Saturday.
Former Gloucester scrum-half Dan Robson remains with the England squad and is poised to make his international debut against the defending Six Nations champions.
Joe Cokanasiga and Brad Shields will remain with the squad to continue their reconditioning until Thursday when theteamtravel to Dublin.
Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors), who has a side strain, will alsostay in camp while the team is in Portugal.