Uncapped Kruis and Clark called up to England rugby union squad

England head coach Stuart Lancaster has called up three uncapped players to his squad for the upcoming Autumn internationals. Saracens second row George Kruis, Northampton flanker Calum Clark, plus Bath winger Semesa Rokoduguni are in line for debuts, after encouraging performances for their clubs. Clark has been in the squad before, though.

Chris Robshaw will captain the side, but injured Leicester centre Manu Tuilagi is not out indefinitely as he may recover in time for matches in November.

Following the squad announcement, coach Lancaster said: “We are still monitoring a number of players injury-wise and with another intensive round of European games to come, including the Wasps-Harlequins and Sale-Clermont games on Sunday, there are likely to be additions to the squad.

“We have included Jonathan Joseph as an injury replacement for Manu. It is obviously disappointing to lose Manu but JJ has been in great form and deserves this chance,” continued Lancaster, who will coach England at the World Cup next year, a tournament his team are 10/3 chances with Coral to win.

“Our medics will continue to work closely Leicester’s and ensure that Manu is supported in his rehabilitation from his injury.”

Lancaster also acknowledged the importance of having a number of personnel who have taken on captaincy responsibility at their domestic sides, but insists current skipper Robshaw is fundamental to their campaign.

“With other players now stepping up into captaincy and senior roles at their clubs, we are building a team of leaders who can take England forward.”

Perhaps the surprise omission, however is Sale fly half Danny Cipriani, who was competing with three others for a place in the side, with Owen Farrell, George Ford and Stephen Myler, who was influential last season for Northampton, with the 30-year-old helping his team to win the Aviva Premiership Grand Final.

England squad
Joe Marler (Harlequins), Matt Mullan (Wasps), Kieran Brookes (Newcastle Falcons), David Wilson (Bath Rugby), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), Rob Webber (Bath Rugby), Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby), George Kruis (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Calum Clark (Northampton Saints), James Haskell (Wasps), Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, captain), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Tom Wood (Northampton Saints), Danny Care (Harlequins), Lee Dickson (Northampton Saints), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Bath Rugby), Stephen Myler (Northampton Saints), Brad Barritt (Saracens), Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints), Kyle Eastmond (Bath Rugby), Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby), Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby), Mike Brown (Harlequins), Alex Goode (Saracens), Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath Rugby), Marland Yarde (Harlequins)