England coach Eddie Jones has named a 36-member squad for next weekend’s non-cap match against the Barbarians, with Danny Care making his return for the first time in nearly four years.
With Leicester Tigers and Saracens set to play in the Premiership final a day earlier, players from both clubs will not be involved.
Care, who has 84 caps for England, has not made an international appearance since he last played against Japan in November 2018 but the scrumhalf has been rewarded for his exploits with Harlequins.
The 35-year-old, who helped Harlequins win the Premiership title last season, was also on the shortlist for player of the season this year, eventually losing out on the honour to Saracens flanker Ben Earl.
He had been selected in the Barbarians squad before Jones decided to call him up for England with one eye on next month’s tour of Australia.
(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
“This is a strong, diverse squad. There are a lot of exciting, young players and some experienced players who have another opportunity to shine,” Jones said.
“Everyone will be given the chance to make their case for being part of the Australia tour squad while we prepare for the Barbarians.
“The Barbarians game at Twickenham is always a great rugby occasion and we know the fans always have a great day out, watching a really entertaining game.”
But Care’s teammate Louis Lynagh, son of former Wallabies great Michael Lynagh, misses out on the chance to make his England debut, sidelined by injury.
George Furbank, Sam Simmonds, Kyle Sinckler, Henry Slade, Manu Tuilagi and Anthony Watson were also unavailable for selection due to injury.
England squad
Forwards: Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons, 6 caps), Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons, 2 caps), Will Collier (Harlequins, 2 caps), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 40 caps), Trevor Davison (Newcastle Falcons, 2 caps), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 9 caps), Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 30 caps), Will Goodrick-Clarke (London Irish, uncapped), Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 12 caps), Ted Hill (Worcester Warriors, 2 caps), Sam Jeffries (Bristol Bears, uncapped), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 93 caps), Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 11 caps), Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 2 caps), Patrick Schickerling (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped), Jack Singleton (Gloucester Rugby, 3 caps), Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 20 caps), Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 28 caps), Jack Walker (Harlequins, uncapped), Jack Willis (Wasps, 3 caps)
Backs: Henry Arundell (London Irish, uncapped), Mark Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, 1 cap), Orlando Bailey (Bath Rugby, uncapped), Danny Care (Harlequins, 84 caps), Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby, 11 caps), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, uncapped), Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, uncapped), Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish, uncapped), Will Joseph (London Irish, uncapped), Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 12 caps), Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 69 caps), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 1 cap), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 39 caps), Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons, 2 caps), Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 6 caps), Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 10 caps)
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
Yep, broke the record for cards in a Prem season last April with his sixth (mostly silly niggle), but also runner up as player of the season. And very, very odd that Jones would dangle this carrot now to a player he banished years ago during an England 9 drought, as Care was literally heading to the Baa Baa's training camp. All part of the same reason I can't engage in any discussion of things like the upcoming Oz tour. I'm confident Eddie has a rationale for everything in his head, but when someone can seemingly rationalise any selection or tactic, everything becomes pure speculation.
Harry Jones
Expert
He’s been the form attacking 9 in the premiership for a few years now, but he is a card magnet (check the stats) and I think EJ just wants him not to be the BaaBaa 9. #weird
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I noted that. He's still the best LH in England in my view
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
If you say so Johnsy
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Joe Marler is missing. That is a surprise. Saracens and Leicester players will change the squad significantly. Eddie has a far stronger squad than Rennie and Dave keeps picking perennial losers in his 23 . Danny Care and Marcus Smith are a very good combination.
Johnsy
Guest
Not with Dave Rennie as head coach they wont.The man cannot coach at test level.Out of his depth.Look at that diabolical 3 zip EOYT in 2021. He lost to lower ranked teams Scotland and Wales. Rennie is a poor coach with little rugby IQ. He has no plan A B or C and to top it all off he is an even worse selector.
Pilferer
Roar Rookie
Looking forward to this series home advantage and pretty handy ref selections I think Wallabies win 2-1 3-0 wouldn't surprise me