STATEMENT: Sam Simmonds rules himself out of England call-up following spat

Head coach Steve Borthwick has announced a preliminary group of 28 players to commence preparations for the upcoming tournament in France.

Despite not having played under Borthwick before, the former Exeter No 8 engaged in open discussions with the coach and subsequently made himself unavailable for selection in the training squad of 28 players, according to The Telegraph..

The training squad, excluding individuals from Gallagher Premiership semi-finalists Leicester Tigers, Northampton Saints, Sale Sharks, and Saracens, convened at Pennyhill Park on Sunday, while further preparations were initiated in Bagshot on Monday, June 12, for the Rugby World Cup scheduled to kick off in September 2023.

 “We are excited to get into camp and begin the first phase of our preparations,” said Borthwick. “The World Cup is full of top quality teams and high quality players, and we’re relishing the challenge in front of us. That all starts today at Pennyhill Park.

“We have lots to get through before our first summer series fixture in August against Wales in Cardiff, so the hard work starts now. We are looking forward to it.”

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Zach Mercer (Montpellier Hérault Rugby)

Beno Obano (Bath Rugby)

Tom Pearson (London Irish)

Val Rapava-Ruskin (Gloucester Rugby)

Jack Walker (Harlequins)

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Will Joseph (London Irish)

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Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby)