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Martin Johnson’s first act as the new supremo of England’s rugby squad has been to drop three men he played alongside in the 2003 World Cup-winning squad.
Centre Mike Tindall and forwards Ben Kay and Joe Worsley failed to make the first 32-man elite squad named by Johnson since he took the role of national team manager in the wake of last month’s troubled tour of New Zealand.
The squad will provide the bulk of the players who will represent England in November Tests against Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and next year’s Six Nations campaign.
Under a new agreement between the English Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Premiership clubs, England will be able to insist on players in the elite squad being released for international duty on specified dates, starting with a five-day training camp in August.
Tindall, Kay and Worsley have been relegated to the second string Saxons while no fewer than 13 members of the squad that lost both of last month’s Tests against the All Blacks miss out on Johnson’s first senior selection.
Flyhalf Charlie Hodgson, who endured a torrid time in New Zealand, did not even make it into the Saxons squad.
Johnson admitted the tame performances in New Zealand had influenced his thinking.
“I don’t think there is a tougher task than going to play New Zealand away,” he said.
“What did we find out? Some of the players stood up and competed well and I think we found out something about everyone who went on that tour and that is factored in to the squad we have named today.
“We were beaten in those two matches by a very good New Zealand team. We have to compete with them and become a better rugby team.”
The New Zealand tour was overshadowed by allegations of a serious sexual assault involving four England players and Johnson said members of the new squad would be reminded of their responsibilities in terms of conduct.
He said: “A lot has been spoken about that after New Zealand. When we get together in August it will be one of the first things we discuss and the players will be under no illusions as to where responsibilities lie.”
Johnson added discipline was right at the top of his agenda.
“The allegations made against the England team were serious – we can’t have that for our players, for our team, for our sport,” he said.
“It is not what we are about. The England team has never had it before – and we should never have it again.”
There are four uncapped players in Johnson’s group, including New Zealand Maori international Riki Flutey, who will be eligible to play for England from September having satisfied residency requirements.
The other newcomers are Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley, London Irish lock Nick Kennedy and Leicester back-row forward Jordan Crane.
Wasps fullback Josh Lewsey returns to the senior England fold for the first time since last year’s World Cup, while Leicester duo Harry Ellis and Lewis Moody return from long-term injuries.
Injured flyhalf Danny Cipriani is included in the Saxons squad although he is not due to make his comeback from a serious ankle injury until after the November Tests.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.