Sam Underhill has been named in an extended England squad for Saturday’s Six Nations game against Ireland at Twickenham, having last played a Test in November.
Flanker Underhill has missed much of the past few months after suffering concussions and then a hip injury but has done enough in his limited outings for Bath to convince coach Eddie Jones that he is worth a place in the 36-man squad named on Sunday.
With his former England back-row partner Tom Curry working through the return to play protocols after he suffered a head injury in the win over Wales, Underhill could go straight into the starting team.
Alex Dombrandt, who played well in the victory over Wales and looked to have made himself first-choice for the No.8 position, is expected to return to training later this week after testing positive for COVID-19 and could still be in contention to play.
Nic Dolly and Alex Mitchell are also included, for the first time since the 2021 autumn series, as are uncapped backs Louis Lynagh – the 21-year-old son of Wallabies great Michael Lynagh – plus Orlando Bailey, Ollie Hassell-Collins and Luke Northmore.
(Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)
Sale No.9 Raffi Quirke suffered concussion playing against Exeter in the Premiership on Sunday and is unavailable for selection.
Lock Jonny Hill, who has been undertaking rehabilitation on a leg injury since he arrived into camp, has returned to his club Exeter for the remainder of the tournament.
Both teams go into the match with two wins and one defeat.
Extended England squad for Ireland game
Forwards: Alfie Barbeary, Jamie Blamire, Ollie Chessum, Tom Curry, Nic Dolly (Leicester Tigers, 1 cap), Charlie Ewels, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Joe Marler, Bevan Rodd, Sam Simmonds, Kyle Sinckler, Will Stuart, Sam Underhill.
Backs: Orlando Bailey, Elliot Daly, George Ford, George Furbank, Ollie Hassell-Collins, Louis Lynagh, Max Malins, Joe Marchant, Alex Mitchell, Jack Nowell, Luke Northmore, Harry Randall, Henry Slade, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Ben Youngs.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Louis has awesome acceleration we lost that with with Folau , and need it badly. Perhaps young Campbell. Sam Underhill has knocked himself about with his kamikaze style of play, he is everything we pretend Hooper is without his pace. Sam Cane is another one who is hard on himself. How tough was George Smith ?
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
Yep, all undeniable and very logical. But it's the name though ..... just doesn't sit right. Wallaby royalty. And any white jersey career is far less likely than a gold one.
hogie
Roar Rookie
Absolutely agree with the above, would love to see him playing back in Australia, but by all accounts his last agreement with Harlequins was long term so the chances of seeing him in the green and gold are getting slimmer and slimmer. I was personally not a fan of what Mack Hansen did in coming through Aus rep sides and then going off to represent Ireland at senior level so would be hypocritical of me to push for Lynagh to switch to Aus.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Sure but he was born in Italy, (afaik) schooled entirely in England, and rep’d England thru his teens. Can’t see the we have any moral claim on him. I wish him all the best for a long and successful career in the white jersey.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
By all accounts young Lynagh is very happy with his NH choice. And there can be no criticism for that. But can’t help feeling I’d rather see him in the gold of Australia rather than being part of Eddie’s pick and drop circus.