England Six Nations squad: Zach Mercer and Gary Graham among eight uncapped players
Written by News on 18/01/2018
Eddie Jones has named eight uncapped players in his 35-man squad for England’s Six Nations opener against Italy on February 4.
Bath No 8 Zach Mercer could make his debut in Rome in place of the injured Billy Vunipola while 21-year-old prop Lewis Boyce is called up after his Harlequins team-mate Joe Marler was ruled out due to suspension.
Newcastle’s Scottish-born flanker Gary Graham is included along with Bath hooker Tom Dunn and Exeter loosehead Alec Hepburn, with outside backs Harry Mallinder and Nathan Earle also named.
Quins fly-half Marcus Smith is again selected as an ‘apprentice player’.
“I have selected the strongest available squad to prepare for our opening match against Italy,” said Jones.
“It is important we start the tournament well and we will spend the next two weeks training smart and really fine-tuning our game plan for the Italy match next month.
“I am expecting a really positive training camp in Portugal and while we have a few players unavailable through injury or suspension, it has provided opportunity for others who will be desperate to be involved in the Italy game.”
England Six Nations squad
Backs: Mike Brown, Danny Care, Nathan Earle, Owen Farrell, George Ford, Jonathan Joseph, Alex Lozowski, Harry Mallinder, Jonny May, Jack Nowell, Henry Slade, Marcus Smith, Denny Solomona, Ben Te’o, Anthony Watson, Ben Youngs.
Forwards: Lewis Boyce, Dan Cole, Tom Dunn, Jamie George, Gary Graham, Dylan Hartley, Alec Hepburn, Nick Isiekwe, Maro Itoje, George Kruis, Courtney Lawes, Joe Launchbury, Zach Mercer, Chris Robshaw, Sam Simmonds, Kyle Sinckler, Sam Underhill, Mako Vunipola, Harry Williams.
(c) Sky News 2018: England Six Nations squad: Zach Mercer and Gary Graham among eight uncapped players
