"Not in Borthwick's Plans" - England's Unused XV as World Cup Training Squad is Announced

Friday, 30 June 2023 at 12:42

byTom Sansom

Steve Borthwick has announced his official 41-man training squad, as England's preparations continue for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The wider training group has been cut down, with nine players returning to their clubs today.

After seeing out their mandatory stand-down rest period following the 2023 Premiership Final, Borthwick has called in 12 players from Sale Sharks and Saracens into the squad, forcing some tough decisions to be made.

The released players all slot into an impressive XV of England players that won't be making the trip to France for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

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England men’s head coach Steve Borthwick has named 41 players in his official training squad for Rugby World Cup 2023 #RWC2023

9:00 AM · Jun 30, 2023

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Even though Borthwick's announced list does not include Billy Vunipola, Jack Walker and Ollie Lawrence, the trio are not reported to have been released.

The three players are recovering from injuries at the England camp, and are expected to recover in time for their returns in the world cup warm-up fixtures this coming Summer.

Here is the XV of England's unused players, for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

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Back Three

Ollie Hassell-Collins of England during the England Rugby Captains Run ahead of the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 11 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

15. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)

14. Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons)

11. Ollie Hassell-Collins (Leicester Tigers)

Centres

Fraser Dingwall of Northampton Saints on the break during the European Champions Cup, Quarter-final match between Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints at Sandy Park on 20 Sept 2020. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK.

13. Will Joseph (Harlequins)

12. Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints)

Halfbacks

Alex Mitchell of Northampton Saints during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Harlequins and Northampton Saints at Twickenham Stadium on 27 December 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints)

9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)

Front Row

Tom Dunn of Bath Rugby during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Bath Rugby at Ashton Gate on 29 Jan. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

1 Beno Obano (Bath Rugby)

2. Tom Dunn (Bath Rugby)

3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers)

Locks

Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 23 caps) during England Rugby training session at The Lensbury Hotel, Teddington, London on 28 Sept 2021. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

4. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby)

5. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens)

Back Row

Zach Mercer of England goes over for a try during the Quilter Cup Match between England and Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on May 27. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

6. Zach Mercer (Montpellier / Gloucester Rugby)

7. Ted Hill (Bath Rugby)

8. Sam Simmonds (Voluntary Withdrawal - Exeter Chiefs / Montpellier)

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