Jack van Poortvliet makes his first appearance in an England squad since being ruled out of last autumn’s World Cup as Steve Borthwick examines his options ahead of the summer tour to Japan and New Zealand.
Van Poortvliet, who has been troubled by ankle and hamstring issues this season, is included in a 19-man group that will begin preparations on Monday for the upcoming three Tests.
The 23-year-old Leicester scrum-half suffered ankle ligament damage in a World Cup warm-up match against Wales last autumn, ending his involvement in the tournament before it had begun.
Borthwick’s squad is missing players from Gallagher Premiership semi-finalists Northampton, Bath, Sale and Saracens, who will be added when their clubs are knocked out of the competition.
There is no place for Gloucester number eight Zach Mercer despite his club season finishing with Friday night’s Challenge Cup final defeat by the Sharks, while Ellis Genge is also missing because of a calf injury.
Genge will miss the entire tour, offering the opportunity for the highly-rated Fin Baxter to press his claim at loosehead prop with Joe Marler also set to travel.
Exeter forwards Greg Fisilau and Rusi Tuima are rewarded for their blockbusting seasons at Sandy Park by being called into an England squad for the first time.
Borthwick names his final tour squad on June 10 with the Test against Japan taking place on June 22.
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) May 26, 2024