3 more dropouts hit the England training squad

England’s training camp has been hit with three more withdrawals including Manu Tuilagi, who has had another injury set-back.

The Leicester centre hasn’t been in an England shirt since the 2016 Six Nations and it will be a big blow for Eddie Jones who spoke of his excitement to have Tuilagi in the fold.

“It’s the first time in the three years I’ve been in England that Manu’s been fit”, Jones said on Thursday after naming Tuilagi.

“He’s put together a series of games and we’re looking forward to him continuing on that run. He’s got the opportunity to come in and show us what he’s got.”

Jones has called up Tuilagi’s Leicester teammate Jordan Olowofela to replace him.

Tigers scrum half Ben Youngs and uncapped Worcester Warriors tighthead prop Nick Schonert also failed to join up with the England men’s squad in Bristol on Sunday evening due to injury, which they picked up in Worcester’s 44-37 win at Welford Road.

Earlier on Sunday Harlequins prop Joe Marler withdrew from the England training squad, with an RFU statement saying it was due to “personal reasons”.

29-year-old Exeter prop Ben Moon is selected in his place.

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Watch: Eddie Jones explains Danny Cipriani omission

Jones had named an initial 36-man squad on Thursday with the most contentious omission being that of Danny Cipriani.

Asked whether it was a form-based decision Jones said: “One hundred per cent. We’ve decided to pick just two fly-halves for this camp. Danny is probably third or fourth and he knows what he has to work on. He understands that.

“We’ve got Owen and George who I believe are our first choice fly-halves. Danny is disappointed but he understands what he has to do. He is desperate to play for England which is terrific.”

Jones insists that the Gloucester outhalf still remains in contention for the Rugby World Cup.

“He has a great chance. “He has as much opportunity as any players in the squad and outside the squad.”

Ahead of the November Internationals an England squad will be named on 18 October before they fly to Portugal on 24 October to begin their final preparations for the four-Test series.

England will play South Africa (3 November), New Zealand (10 November), Japan (17 November) and Australia (24 November) at Twickenham Stadium.

Updated England training squad:

Forwards (20)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
Jamie George (Saracens)
Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)
Nathan Hughes (Wasps)
Nick Isiekwe (Saracens)
Maro Itoje (Saracens)
George Kruis (Saracens)
Joe Launchbury (Wasps)
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
Ben Moon (Exeter Chiefs)
Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby)
Michael Rhodes (Saracens)
Chris Robshaw (Harlequins)
Brad Shields (Wasps)
Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins)
Billy Vunipola (Saracens)
Mako Vunipola (Saracens)
Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs)
Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons)

Backs (16)
Chris Ashton (Sale Sharks)
Mike Brown (Harlequins)
Danny Care (Harlequins)
Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby)
Elliot Daly (Wasps)
Nathan Earle (Harlequins)
Owen Farrell (Saracens)
George Ford (Leicester Tigers)
Alex Lozowski (Saracens)
Jonny May (Leicester Tigers)
Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
Dan Robson (Wasps)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors)
Jordan Olowofela (Leicester Tigers)

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