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Signs not looking good for Manu Tuilagi

(Getty Images)

Henry Slade has been called up by England for the first time in the 2020 Guinness Six Nations as he steps up his recovery from an ankle problem, while Manu Tuilagi now looks in a race against time to make the Ireland match.

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Slade sustained the injury in Exeter’s 31-22 Gallagher Premiership victory over Leicester in mid-December, forcing him to miss the opening two rounds of the championship.

A statement released by England revealed that Slade and Manu Tuilagi will continue their rehabilitation when they join up with a 25-man squad for a three-day camp in Kensington.

Tuilagi suffered a groin strain in the 24-17 defeat by France that launched the campaign in deflating fashion, forcing him to sit out Saturday’s Calcutta Cup victory over Scotland.

It was hoped he would miss just one game, but his absence from the 25-strong group named by Eddie Jones suggests he also faces a race against time to be fit for Ireland’s visit to Twickenham on Sunday week.

Slade is an alternative to Tuilagi at outside centre, but the clash with Andy Farrell’s unbeaten team may also arrive too soon for him, pointing to Jonathan Joseph’s retention in the number 13 jersey.

Courtney Lawes was involved against France and Scotland but has been rested for the camp that begins on Thursday.

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Sale centre Cameron Redpath has also been summoned in addition to the 25.

England 25-man training squad –

Forwards: L Cowan-Dickie (Exeter), T Curry (Sale), B Earl (Saracens), C Ewels (Bath), E Genge (Leicester), J George (Saracens), M Itoje (Saracens), G Kruis (Saracens), J Launchbury (Wasps), L Ludlam (Northampton), J Marler (Harlequins), K Sinckler (Harlequins), W Stuart (Bath), S Underhill (Bath), M Vunipola (Saracens).

Backs: E Daly (Saracens), O Devoto (Exeter), O Farrell (Saracens), G Ford (Leicester), G Furbank (Northampton), W Heinz (Gloucester), J Joseph (Bath), J May (Leicester), O Thorley (Gloucester), B Youngs (Leicester).

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Jon 4 hours ago
The case for keeping the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby Pacific

I have heard it asked if RA is essentially one of the part owners and I suppose therefor should be on the other side of these two parties. If they purchased the rebels and guaranteed them, and are responsible enough they incur Rebels penalties, where is this line drawn? Seems rough to have to pay a penalty for something were your involvement sees you on the side of the conned party, the creditors. If the Rebels directors themselves have given the club their money, 6mil worth right, why aren’t they also listed as sitting with RA and the Tax office? And the legal threat was either way, new Rebels or defunct, I can’t see how RA assume the threat was less likely enough to warrant comment about it in this article. Surely RA ignore that and only worry about whether they can defend it or not, which they have reported as being comfortable with. So in effect wouldn’t it be more accurate to say there is no further legal threat (or worry) in denying the deal. Unless the directors have reneged on that. > Returns of a Japanese team or even Argentinean side, the Jaguares, were said to be on the cards, as were the ideas of standing up brand new teams in Hawaii or even Los Angeles – crazy ideas that seemingly forgot the time zone issues often cited as a turn-off for viewers when the competition contained teams from South Africa. Those timezones are great for SR and are what will probably be needed to unlock its future (cant see it remaining without _atleast _help from Aus), day games here are night games on the West Coast of america, were potential viewers triple, win win. With one of the best and easiest ways to unlock that being to play games or a host a team there. Less good the further across Aus you get though. Jaguares wouldn’t be the same Jaguares, but I still would think it’s better having them than keeping the Rebels. The other options aren’t really realistic 25’ options, no. From reading this authors last article I think if the new board can get the investment they seem to be confident in, you keeping them simply for the amount of money they’ll be investing in the game. Then ditch them later if they’re not good enough without such a high budget. Use them to get Jaguares reintergration stronger, with more key players on board, and have success drive success.

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