Billy Vunipola recalled as England turn to experience…

Billy Vunipola recalled as England turn to experience for three-Test Australia tour

Billy Vunipola has been recalled by England for the summer tour to Australia as Eddie Jones turns to experience to revive the nation’s fortunes.

More than a year after his last cap, in the 2021 Six Nations, the Saracens star is the only specialist No.8 to make the 36-strong party.

Jones has also summoned 84-time capped scrum-half Danny Care for the first time in four years.

Alex Dombrandt, Sam Simmonds, Kyle Sinckler, Henry Slade, Manu Tuilagi, Joe Launchbury and Anthony Watson are all unavailable due to injury. Joe Marler and Ben Youngs miss the three-Test tour for personal reasons.

England finished third in the Six Nations, losing more games than they won, and were humbled 52-21 at Twickenham yesterday by a Barbarians invitation side.

Jones said: “Though we have ten players unavailable due to injury, we have picked a very strong squad capable of winning the series.

“This squad is a real mix of young, talented players and some very experienced, senior players and we’re looking forward to bring the group together.

“This tour will be a great experience for the group and a crucial part of the team’s work towards the Rugby World Cup in 2023. We will continue to develop the base of the squad and how we want to play.

“We’ve put a lot of work into preparation for the tour over the past few weeks but now the hard work really begins when we finally get the squad on the plane and to Australia.”

FULL SQUAD

FORWARDS

Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps)

Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 34 caps)

Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 40 caps)

Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 30 caps)

Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 36 caps)

Jamie George (Saracens, 66 caps)

Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps)

Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 12 caps)

Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 7 caps)

Maro Itoje (Saracens, 56 caps)