Newcastle duo called up by England
NEWCASTLE Falcons hookers George McGuigan and Jamie Blamire have been named in England’s training squad for next week’s camp in London.
The 36-man group will convene from Sunday until Wednesday, with England set to play against the Barbarians on June 19 before their three-Test tour to Australia.
Cumbrian Blamire has scored six tries in his caps for England, while the uncapped McGuigan played for England against the Barbarians in 2018, as well as touring with England Saxons in 2016.
This season has seen McGuigan scoring 17 tries in 25 games for Newcastle Falcons, placing him second in the Gallagher Premiership tryscorers’ chart and being awarded Player of the Month for March.
Newcastle Falcons head coach Dave Walder said: “We’re delighted for both lads at receiving their invite to the training camp.
“Jamie has been involved regularly with England over the last year and given a good account of himself, while George’s call-up is due reward for the consistently outstanding form he has shown over the last few seasons at club level.”
England head coach Eddie Jones said: “We’re going to use this camp as an opportunity to prepare a base game for the Barbarians fixture and for a really important Australia tour.
“We’ll focus on how we want to play, how we want to be as a team off the field and continue to develop the squad cohesiveness and behaviours.
“It is also 16 months to the World Cup and every minute counts. We want a hard-working and enjoyable environment for the players and to make sure we are all on the same page.
“We are allowed a squad of 36 players, so it has been a balancing act.”