Five Chiefs retained by Jones

By Mark Stevens
30/10/18

Five Exeter Chiefs players have been retained by Eddie Jones to continue England’s preparation for the first Test of the Quilter Internationals against South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday (3pm).

Props Ben Moon, Alec Hepburn and Harry Williams, together with backs Jack Nowell and Henry Slade, have all been kept on in England’s training base in Portugal.

However, Jones has released a number of players including Mike Brown, Mike Rhodes, Ben Morgan, Sam Underhill, Nick Schonert, Ted Hill, Joe Cokanasiga, Alex Lozowski and Richard Wigglesworth

In addition Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints) will remain in Portugal to continue his rehabilitation. Lawes rejoined the squad on Monday evening having returned to England for treatment on a back injury at the weekend.

Forwards coach Steve Borthwick said they were hopeful to have Lawes available for next weekend's Test against New Zealand.

"He's feeling positive," said Borthwick. "He's done plenty of work already this morning (Tuesday) and is progressing well."The 23-man match day squad will be announced on Thursday before returning to London.

Forwards: Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby), Jamie George (Saracens), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), Alec Hepburn (Exeter Chiefs), Maro Itoje (Saracens), George Kruis (Saracens), Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby), Ben Moon (Exeter Chiefs), Brad Shields (Wasps), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), Elliott Stooke (Bath Rugby), Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs), Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons)

Backs: Chris Ashton (Sale Sharks), Danny Care (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Wasps), Owen Farrell (Saracens) co-captain, George Ford (Leicester Tigers), Jonny May (Leicester Tigers), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors), Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers).