By Daniel Schofield, Deputy Rugby Union Correspondent
England head coach Steve Borthwick denied selecting Billy Vunipola as the only specialist No 8 in his World Cup squad is a risk, revealing the 30-year-old is “very close” to a return to action.
Vunipola has not played since suffering a knee injury in April for Saracens but may come into contention to face Wales at Twickenham on Saturday with Borthwick saying that he is in the best shape of his career. Vunipola was selected ahead of Alex Dombrandt, who had started every match this year under Borthwick, as the only out-and-out No 8 in the 33-man squad with centre Henry Slade confirmed as the other high-profile casualty.
Vunipola, by contrast, was overlooked during the Six Nations, but a combination of the Saracens’ dedication in the training camp and Borthwick’s demand for greater ballast has led to his return. Asked if it was a risk to just a No 8 who has not played in four months, Borthwick said: “Billy has been fantastic in this training camp. I’ve seen just how hard he’s worked to come back from his injury.
“He looks in great shape and the fittest I’ve ever seen him. I think his experience will add to this squad. The diligence of seeing him in this recovery from injury – it has been very impressive.
“I am very clear about how we need to play against the opponents in this tournament. And that’s ultimately why I made the decision to go with Billy. There’s no doubt that when I’m watching games now, a huge aspect is the power game.
“I watch teams play and you see teams that have that power have a real advantage. You’ve got to have a pack that can combat the power of the opposition against the top teams.”
Borthwick confirmed that both Vunipola and second row Ollie Chessum, who suffered a broken ankle in a Six Nations training session, are both on the brink of a return while Tom Curry, Jack Walker and David Ribbans have been ruled out of the return fixture against Wales.
Borthwick argues the versatility of Curry and fellow flankers Lewis Ludlam and Ben Earl gives him the leeway to only select a specialist No 8 with Tom Willis also overlooked. Former England head coach Eddie Jones believed that Vunipola needed as much game time as possible to get up to speed, starting him in all four 2019 World Cup warm-up games, but Borthwick will deploy other players at No 8 in the remaining three tune-up matches.
“I think Billy is a guy who loves playing rugby so we want him to play as much as he possibly can and I think he’s desperate to play as much as he possibly can. Whether that’s right, that it’s two or three games, I’m not going to put any number on it but hopefully he’s available and I’ll assess him and see how he goes. He’s very close but I’m not going to say it has to be a number of games.
“There’ll be opportunities for other players as well through these next three weeks and that’s one of the things about naming the squad at this stage, to understand exactly what combinations need to run in these three Test matches to be ready for the start of the tournament.”
Experience, power and versatility emerged as key themes in Borthwick’s selections. As Telegraph Sport reported, positional flexibility was a prime consideration in picking Joe Marchant, who can cover the wing berths, ahead of Slade in the centres. While Slade’s omission came as a big surprise, Borthwick indicated his thinking was always leaning that way when he announced his wider training squad in June, even if some selections caused a “clear split” within his coaching group.
Marchant’s encouraging individual performance in the 20-9 defeat to Wales may have just tipped the balance in his favour. “It was one of the factors,” Borthwick said. “One other aspect around Joe is his ability to play on the wing as well. He’s had experience there and played a lot of times. That’s the kind of positional flexibility you want in the team as well.”
Slade will remain on the standby list while Borthwick continues to receive updates on hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie who is recovering from a shoulder injury. In contrast to four years ago under Jones, there was noticeably less bombast emanating from England’s camp about their World Cup chances but captain Owen Farrell seems comfortable with their status as outsiders.
“If we go in as favourites or go in under the radar, we’ll use it to our advantage either way, “ Farrell said. “We’re working away quietly. Tournament rugby is a lot about pressure. You go into World Cups and people talk about favourites and say, ‘It’s theirs to lose’ – but it doesn’t work like that. That’s not how sport works. Just look at the football World Cup when Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia.”
12:30 PM BST
That’s all folks!
Thanks for following the squad announcement with us.
There will be plenty more reaction and analysis on the Telegraph Sport site over the course of the day – so keep your eyes peeled.
Happy Monday!
12:28 PM BST
Farrell on the World Cup…
The dream is always to be in the big game at the end and to go as far as we can. All our focus is obviously on that.
12:24 PM BST
Lawrence on his motivation…
The realisation that rugby can be taken away from you at any point. I had to move to a different team – it was a real challenge. I was fortunate enough to pick up a gig pretty sharpish and I just wanted to showcase the best of myself.
12:21 PM BST
Thoughts?
12:21 PM BST
Earl on being dropped during Six Nations…
Sometimes the kind of player you are doesn’t fit one week, fit the plan. I’ve learnt that. Steve is a great thinker.
Over the last two years I’ve had an up-and-down journey with England. Highs and lows with the club, too.
I’m more of a rounded individual now.
12:19 PM BST
Farrell on short prep time…
This is the most amount of time we spend together. This is where we get the most of our work done.
12:15 PM BST
Farrell on England potential…
The whole thing for the team has been about getting the most out of ourselves now. We’re looking forward to the tournament but we’re focusing on making sure we’re a better rugby team.
Now that the squad’s selected we can really rip into it.
12:14 PM BST
Farrell on England as underdogs…
We’ll use it either way. We are where we are at the minute – and we’re working hard, quietly. Tournament rugby, the World Cup, is a lot about pressure. It’s bigger than anything. The nice thing at times for us is that we might not have as much [outside noise]. Who knows? Maybe. We focus on what we can control and not let the other stuff creep in.
12:12 PM BST
Van Poortvliet on the scrum-half depth…
I couldn’t have three better people to learn from than Wiggy, Ben Youngs and Danny Care in the history of English rugby
12:12 PM BST
Earl on the environment
It’s one of the tightest environments I’ve been in. I wasn’t sure what to expect – but it’s one of the healthiest environments I’ve been in.
12:10 PM BST
Farrell on his journey…
I’m not trying to be anything that I’m not. Steve is trying to make sure that we’ll be the best version of ourselves.
I want to be myself, enjoy it – and I want us to be the best version of us. I’m looking forward to giving that a good crack.
12:08 PM BST
Back to Farrell..
I called my family first. I can only sit here and tell the others how special the World Cup is. And go and enjoy taking the best of ourselves to the rest of the world. It comes around every four years but you don’t want to waste one.
This is as good as it gets.
12:07 PM BST
Lawrence continues…
It is special. But my main focus is getting on the plane to start with.
Steve just wants me to be myself. There are areas I can work one. But he wants us to show our strengths.
12:06 PM BST
Van Poortvliet continues…
You always had that doubt, that he might change his mind. So to have it confirmed on Sunday morning was nice.
I Facetimed my family, in the car, to tell them. Mum, dad and sister. Very special. Mum cried a lot – hard to deal with.
12:04 PM BST
Earl on his selection conversation with Borthwick
It was early! A bit of a sleepless night. The conversation I had with him was encouraging. Since coming in, he’s encouraged us to be the player that we are.
I don’t think there’s a player that can’t move around the back row in the squad. Flexibility always helps. But I think everyone can do that and we’re all slightly different in our own way. Looking forward to see how we grow as a unit and as a team.
I called my mum first. She was over the moon.
12:03 PM BST
Lawrence continues…
It’s very special, going to a World Cup. It’s been a tough couple of months because I’ve been out injured. I’m looking forward to getting stuck back in.
I just want to put my best foot forward. It starts with training this afternoon. It’s an opportunity for us to do something special.
12:02 PM BST
Farrell speaks…
We’re feeling good. We feel like our prep has been good but now we want to kick on. There’s a good feeling and a great opportunity.
We want to grab hold of it take it forward now as best we can.
We’re working unbelieveably hard here to get the most out of ourselves. We were disappointed in the Six Nations and this is the time when we get the most time together to prepare for a tournament. To be part of this is a big opportunity.
I have not spoken to [Henry Slade] yet but I shared a room with him for the past few weeks. I’ll definitely been in touch. But there’s a lot of competition. We have a great squad. People need to stay ready, though. This squad won’t stay the same [due to injuries].
I had no say in the decision. When it comes to any squad, there’s a lot of competition – especially England, where there are a lot of good players.
11:59 AM BST
Up next…
Owen Farrell, Ollie Lawrence, Ben Earl and Jack van Poortvliet speak.
11:53 AM BST
Borthwick speaks
We need to be the fastest learning team.
11:52 AM BST
Borthwick on World Cup ambitions…
I won’t waste my time looking at what the other teams have got. I focus on what we have. The players have been fantastic and I’m looking forward to working with them over the coming weeks.
11:50 AM BST
Harrison on the scrum…
Happy is not a word I would use. There’s definitely stuff we can work on to improve and move it forward.
11:47 AM BST
The duo continue
Borthwick
We have a very clear framework of what we’re working towards in terms of training and tactics. We want to win the Tests. I’ve said that from day one. But we also understand the need for adaptability but we have a very clear plan in mind.
Now, our focus is on about getting better and improving – less on selection. There was a lot of chat last week about selection. Announcing today has been an important step for us. Now we build. Three important Test in front of us and each one will be a step forward in terms of how we play. We’re in a reasonably challenging training phase now which will lessen as we approach the tournament – and the team will sharpen.
The finalists have been in camp a week longer so many of them will become more available for selection this Saturday.
Sinfield
The competition for places has tested our defence quite a bit over the last eight weeks. But I’m really looking forward to coaching against some different attacks – tactically.
11:44 AM BST
Sinfield speaks…
It was great to be in Test week last week. It wasn’t what we desired but there is more to come. I’m looking forward to ripping into the World Cup and giving it my best shot.
11:43 AM BST
Borthwick continues…
We have flexibility throughout the centres. I would love to pick more than 33 – but I can’t.
11:41 AM BST
Dombrandt’s omission
Lewis Ludlam, Ben Earl and Tom Curry have all just been name-checked for their ability to play No 8…
Clearly, the coaches believe that there is adequate cover there.
11:40 AM BST
Wigglesworth on Arundell
What Henry Arundell has got you can’t teach
11:40 AM BST
Sinfield on defence…
A number of attributes [we’re looking for]. We went through a very thorough process, Steve and I, after the Six Nations and these past eight weeks.
I won’t share our defensive philosophy but, like most, we’re heavily reliant on our back row and centres to provide energy and hit. And we’ve got great players there.
But everyone has to bring leadership qualities. We’re looking for leaders throughout. Back row and centres is the position on which we’ll rely on but there are a number of players who will provide aggression and energy.
11:38 AM BST
Borthwick on the omissions…
There have been a number of difficult decisions. Quality players will miss out. Henry has been tremendous throughout the training camp. He is disappointed but we know there will be changes. There will be bumps and bruises so everyone needs to be ready to go.
It was a personal conversation and I share my thoughts on the decision-making process. There are good players competing in his position. We were always going to have three players in key positions – that means in other areas of the team you need positional flexibility.
Henry and all the players were disappointed. They all worked incredibly hard and were disappointed. But each one will be ready to go.
[Is Billy Vunipola a risk?] He’s been fantastic. He has worked so hard to come back from his injury. He looks as fit as I’ve ever seen him. In great shape.
There are a number of points. One of which is the opportunity to work with players over a period of time.
We average over 40 caps with an average age of 26. 13 from the 2019 World Cup final. We have a group of players who are experienced and understand World Cup rugby. That’s exciting – because it blends with players who are at their first tournament.
This group of players are some of the most competitive people I’ve ever met. They want to win anything.
11:32 AM BST
The four coaches are in the room
We’ll be bringing you live reaction from the squad announcement imminently.
An opener from Steve Borthwick:
Selecting just 33 players from the breadth of great players in our camps has been a challenging task. This 33 has the right blend of experience and young, exciting talent – and also has positional flexibility and playing combinations that we will require.
11:27 AM BST
What’s next for those players who have missed out on selection?
With several shock omissions from Steve Borthwick’s World Cup squad, including 56-cap centre Henry Slade, former England centre Luther Burrell reflects on the mental struggle these players face.
You can read more about the emotions Burrell dealt with after being left out of England’s 2015 World Cup squad here.
11:24 AM BST
Up next…
We will be hearing England coaches Steve Borthwick, Kevin Sinfield, Richard Wigglesworth and Tom Harrison.
Stay tuned for live coverage!
11:09 AM BST
Will Greenwood’s player-by-player verdict
Legendary centre analyses each of Borthwick’s 33 World Cup selections and the attributes they offer England.
You can read more in his Telegraph Sport column here.
10:56 AM BST
Borthwick reacts
“Rugby World Cups involve unique challenges in terms of the demands on players, the need for squad flexibility and the limited number of squad places available,” said Borthwick.
“France 2023 is no different, but I am confident we have selected a squad of 33 that is well able to meet those challenges and leave us best placed to be at our most competitive in this exciting tournament.
“There have been a number of very difficult selection decisions to make, given the quality of our wider training squad. Some very good players have missed out on selection, such has been the competition for places over the last eight weeks and more of preparation.
“As Saturday’s game in Cardiff proved, we have a series of demanding Test matches through August as we continue that preparation towards our opening Rugby World Cup pool game against an in-form Argentina side.”
10:52 AM BST
Borthwick goes with experience
So 17 of the 33 have previous World Cup experience with 16 playing in the 2019 World Cup.
Dan Cole, Courtney Lawes and Ben Youngs will be appearing at their fourth World Cups in a squad that contains over 1,400 caps.
10:40 AM BST
After all that hard work, Slade is shockingly omitted
10:17 AM BST
Those who have been omitted…
Hooker Jamie Blamire; lock Jonny Hill; flanker Tom Pearson; back-rower Tom Willis; No 8 Alex Dombrandt; utility back Guy Porter; centre Henry Slade; wing Cadan Murley; wing Jonny May; wing Joe Cokanasiga.
10:10 AM BST
Club-by-club
10:08 AM BST
Rugby World Cup predictor
Why not take five minutes this morning to have a go at our own World Cup predictor? Allow myself and Brian Moore to explain the format in the below video – and give yourself a pat on the back if you end up with anyone other than France as the winner!
10:03 AM BST
Thoughts?
Personally, given that we saw what Alex Dombrandt was capable of in the Six Nations, I would have loved for Tom Willis to get a proper crack at the Wales and push for a second No 8 spot in this squad.
You can’t help but feel, with Billy Vunipola’s injury vulnerability, that England are a little light in that area.
09:56 AM BST
Breaking!
Steve Borthwick has named his 33-player squad for the Rugby World Cup.
As reported by Telegraph Sport, Henry Arundell makes the cut, alongside Elliot Daly, Anthony Watson and Max Malins but there is no place for Henry Slade or Alex Dombrandt. Theo Dan is also included alongside George Martin and Ollie Chessum.
Ben Youngs, Courtney Lawes and Dan Cole will all be playing in their fourth World Cups. Owen Farrell is captain, assisted by Ellis Genge and Lawes.
Billy Vunipola is included as the only bona fide No 8 in the squad.
England’s 2023 Rugby World Cup squad
Forwards (19): E Genge (vc), J Marler, B Rodd, J George, J Walker, T Dan, K Sinckler, D Cole, W Stuart, M Itoje, O Chessum, G Martin, D Ribbans, C Lawes (vc), L Ludlam, T Curry, J Willis, B Earl, B Vunipola.
Backs (14): B Youngs, D Care, J van Poortvliet, O Farrell (c), G Ford, M Smith, M Tuilagi, O Lawrence, J Marchant, A Watson, E Daly, M Malins, H Arundell, F Steward.
09:44 AM BST
With 15 minutes to go…
Who would you like to see selected? Is there anyone among the reported droppees that is a mistake?
Let us know in the comments!
09:38 AM BST
Warren Gatland
The mastermind behind England’s downfall last weekend believes that Marcus Smith is the man for England.
You can read more in his exclusive Telegraph Sport column here.
09:31 AM BST
With just 30 minutes to go…
Let’s have a recap of yesterday’s news, courtesy of deputy rugby correspondent, Dan Schofield.
Henry Slade has been left devastated by his shock omission from England’s World Cup squad, with the experienced centre paying the price for Steve Borthwick’s desire to prioritise bulk and versatility.
Telegraph Sport understands that Borthwick told the 30-year-old that he wanted more cover on the wings with Joe Marchant the prime beneficiary. Marchant will join the hulking pair of Ollie Lawrence and Manu Tuilagi as the only specialist centres in the squad, although Elliot Daly and captain Owen Farrell will be able to provide further cover.
Other casualties from England’s wider training squad include No 8 Alex Dombrandt, hooker Jamie Blamire and wing Joe Cokanasiga who did not seize their opportunities in England’s dispiriting 20-9 defeat to Wales on Saturday. Northampton second row David Ribbans and the Saracens pair of Theo Dan and Ben Earl have made the cut with Borthwick opting for a heavyweight balance of 19 forwards to 14 backs. Wings Max Malins and Henry Arundell, who can both cover full-back, have also won selection ahead of Cokanasiga and Jonny May.
09:17 AM BST
Kyle Sinckler not taking World Cup call as a given
Good morning and welcome to Telegraph Sport’s live coverage of England’s announcement for their Rugby World Cup 2023 squad.
Kyle Sinckler insists missing out on Lions selection was like being dumped by a girlfriend in an experience that has left him uncertain of his place in England’s World Cup squad.
Sinckler is set to be picked in Steve Borthwick’s 33-man group that is announced on Monday morning with little doubt over his inclusion given he is first choice tighthead prop.
But the 30-year-old refuses to assume he will take part in his second World Cup after he was excluded from Warren Gatland’s British and Irish Lions squad in 2021 despite being considered a certainty to tour South Africa.
Andrew Porter was picked by Gatland, only for the Ireland front row to be ruled out by a toe injury, offering Sinckler a reprieve.
“The Lions experience taught me never to… I can’t really find another word for ‘granted’ because I don’t want to say I took it for granted… but I was like, ‘I’ve got a pretty good shot here’. And I ended up missing out on the squad,” Sinckler said.
“I was absolutely devastated and I was like, ‘I’m never going to have that little voice in my head ever saying ‘You’ll be all right’.
“That experience in itself was just crazy. Because obviously I initially didn’t make the squad and then you come to terms with that, you wish the boys the best of luck and you are focused on what you need to do.
“Then unfortunately for Andrew, he picked up an injury and that means I’m in – just as I was getting over it.
“It was like an ex dumping you and just as you’re getting over it all of a sudden she wants you back. You’re messing with my head! So it was a strange one.
“It’s about having that humility and respect for the game because rugby can humble you very quickly.”
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