Sale flanker Tom Curry has been named in England coach Steve Borthwick’s 36-man squad for the upcoming tour of Japan and New Zealand, bringing hope and excitement to fans and teammates alike. Curry, who has been sidelined with a serious hip injury, has played just over half an hour of rugby since the previous year’s Rugby World Cup. Nevertheless, his inclusion is a testament to his skill and importance to the team.
Northampton Saints and Rising Stars
The squad also includes seven players from the Premiership champions, the Northampton Saints. Among them is the uncapped wing Ollie Sleightholme, who made a significant impact by scoring a try in the Premiership final win over Bath. Sleightholme’s inclusion in the squad highlights the depth of talent within the team and the promising future of English rugby.
In addition to Sleightholme, five other uncapped players have been called up. These rising stars include Harlequins prop Fin Baxter, Harlequins centre Luke Northmore, Sale’s Joe Carpenter and Tom Roebuck, and Bristol hooker Gabriel Oghre. This mix of seasoned players and new talent aims to strike a balance between experience and fresh energy.
The Importance of the Summer Series
England’s tour begins with a match against Japan on June 22, followed by two tests against the All Blacks on July 6 and 13. Steve Borthwick emphasized the significance of these matches for the squad’s development. “The Summer Series presents a valuable opportunity for the continued development of this squad and is a demanding challenge to conclude the season,” Borthwick said.
Adapting to Diverse Conditions
One of the key challenges for the England squad will be adapting to the different playing conditions in Japan and New Zealand. The contrasting climates and styles of rugby will test the players’ versatility and resilience. Borthwick noted, “With the changes in climate, playing conditions, and contrasting styles of rugby from the two opponents we face, we will be challenged on and off the field.”
Building Team Cohesion
For the uncapped players, this tour is a crucial opportunity to integrate into the team and build strong relationships with their teammates. “Travelling together is a great way to build closer bonds and provides an important opportunity for new players to settle into our environment,” Borthwick added. The tour will serve as a vital experience for these young players, helping them to acclimate to the international rugby stage.
Managing Injuries and Squad Depth
Tom Curry’s selection comes despite concerns from Sale coach Alex Sanderson about his injury management. Curry will tour alongside his twin brother Ben, underscoring the coaching staff’s confidence in his recovery. The presence of experienced players like Curry is expected to provide leadership and stability to the squad.
In the absence of George Ford, who is ruled out of the summer tour, England’s fly-half options are limited to Marcus Smith and Fin Smith. Full-back George Furbank is available to provide cover if needed. Additionally, the squad includes Bristol’s Harry Randall and Premiership finalists Ben Spencer and Alex Mitchell as scrum-halves.
High-Stakes Matches Await
England’s first match against Japan will be held at the National Stadium in Tokyo, a venue that Borthwick describes as “an incredible venue for Test match rugby.” This match will be followed by two challenging tests against the All Blacks in Dunedin and Auckland. These matches are particularly significant as England aims to become the first team since 1994 to win a Test match at Eden Park.
Facing the All Blacks
“New Zealand’s home record is well documented, and we face a team who came within one point of winning a World Cup,” Borthwick noted. The All Blacks are known for their formidable home record, and historically, England has not had much success in New Zealand. However, the England squad is determined to change that narrative. “Historically, it is not a place England have had much success, but we are determined to change that. The players know that they will need to be mentally strong and tactically smart if we are to get the result we want.”
Preparing for Success
The upcoming tour represents a significant opportunity for England to test their skills against top-tier international competition. It also provides a platform for the team to develop cohesion and build momentum ahead of future competitions. The inclusion of both experienced players and new talent in the squad aims to create a well-rounded team capable of facing the challenges ahead.
Conclusion
As the England rugby squad gears up for their tour of Japan and New Zealand, the mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers sets the stage for an exciting series of matches. With Tom Curry leading the charge, fans and teammates alike are hopeful for a successful tour that will not only test the squad’s capabilities but also strengthen the bonds within the team. This tour is more than just a series of matches; it’s a critical step in the continued development and future success of English rugby.
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