Tom Curry returns to England XV to tour Japan and New Zealand
Tom Curry has been named in England's squad for the tour of Japan and New Zealand, despite an injury-plagued season, along with seven players from Premier League champions Northampton.
The Sale winger is part of the 36-man squad that departs England on Wednesday, despite having played just 34 minutes since last year's World Cup.
The 25-year-old recovered from a hip injury he described as a “car crash” in time to impress in the Premier League semi-final against Bath on June 1.
Northampton who beat Bath 25-21 In a thrilling Premier League final at Twickenham last Saturday, he has a strong side that includes six uncapped players. The Saints squad includes an undrafted winger ole slithholme, Top scorer in the Premier League this season, and veteran Saracens hooker, Jimmy Georgewas retained as leader.
Gabriel Ogre, Joe Carpenter, Tom Roebuck, Baxter's End And Luke Northmoretwo Harlequins players, are the other five players who are likely to make their England debuts during the summer.
men Steve Borthwick He will face a Japanese team that he coaches Eddie JonesThe former England national team coach will meet in Tokyo on June 22 before facing the All Blacks in two tests in Dunedin and Auckland on July 6 and 13.
““The National Stadium in Tokyo is a great place for Test rugby, and we have to be at our best against a Japanese team that will want to play fast.” England coach Borthwick said on Monday.
He added: “New Zealand’s results at home are well known, and we are facing a team that was one point away from winning the World Cup.
“Historically, this is not where England have had a lot of success, but we are determined to change that. The players know they have to be mentally strong and tactically smart if we are to achieve the result we want.
England national team
Ass: Joe Carpenter, Fraser Dingwall, Emmanuel Faye Wabuso, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Ollie Lawrence, Alex Mitchell, Luke Northmore, Harry Randall, Tom Roebuck, Henry Slade, Ollie Slitholme, Finn Smith, Marcus Smith, Ben Spencer, Freddie Steward
Attackers: Finn Baxter, Dan Cole, Alex Coles, Chandler Cunningham South, Ben Curry, Tom Curry, Theo Dunne, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Charlie Ewells, Jimmy George (captain), Joe Hayes, Maro Itoje, Joe Marler, George Martin, Gabriel Ogre, Bevan Rudd, Ethan Roots, Will Stewart, Sam Underhill