Bulls lock named in England’s preliminary World Cup squad

Bulls lock Charlie Ewels has been selected in England’s first World Cup training squad, which was revealed by coach Steve Borthwick.

Ewels signed for the Bulls from English Premiership club Bath on loan while nursing his way back from an injured ACL and has been a regular feature for the Pretoria-based side in the Currie Cup.

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The England squad, which does not include players from English Premiership semi-finalists, Leicester Tigers, Northampton Saints, Sale Sharks, and Saracens, assembled in Bagshot on Monday 12 June as they begin their preparations for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France which starts in September. 

“We are excited to get into camp and begin the first phase of our preparations,” England boss Borthwick said. “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.”

England 28-man squad: 

England forwards: Jamie Blamire, Alex Dombrandt, Tom Dunn, Charlie Ewels, Ellis Genge, Ted Hill, Joe Marler, Zach Mercer, Beno Obano, Tom Pearson, Val Rapava-Ruskin, Kyle Sinckler, Will Stuart, Sam Underhill, Jack Walker.

England backs: Henry Arundell, Danny Care, Joe Cokanasiga, Ollie Hassell-Collins, Will Joseph, Ollie Lawrence, Joe Marchant, Jonny May, Cadan Murley, Harry Randall, Henry Slade, Marcus Smith, Ben Spencer.

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