England name training squad for Six Nations title defence
Manu Tuilagi has only recently returned to action following a three-month injury lay-off
©PA
England head coach Eddie Jones has left out Leicester Tigers centre Manu Tuilagi from the 34-man training squad for the Six Nations 2018 tournament.
Tuilagi, who was sent back home along with Sale Sharks winger Denny Solomona ahead of the autumn internationals for a disciplinary related issue returned to action recently following a three-month lay-off due to knee surgery but will miss the two day training camp in Brighton.
Bath prop Beno Obano and Newcastle openside flanker Gary Graham have received their maiden international call-ups.
"This camp in Brighton is important for us to set the tone as a squad ahead of the Six Nations. We will need to improve if we are to hunt down our opponents and beat them," said Jones.
"This tournament will be exciting and challenging, as we know we will play against some very strong teams.
"Brighton will provide a great base to begin our preparations with players coming away with a clear plan for our opening match of the campaign against Italy."
Meanwhile, Billy Vunipola, who missed the autumn internationals with a knee injury has been included in the squad along with James Haskell.
Northampton lock Courtney Lawes will miss the camp for personal reasons while there is no room for Saracens duo Alex Lozowski and George Kruis.
England will face Italy in the Six Nations 2018 opener at Stadio Olimpico on 4th February.
England training squad:
Backs: Mike Brown (Harlequins), Danny Care (Harlequins), Nathan Earle (Saracens), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Leicester), Piers Francis (Northampton), Jonathan Joseph (Bath), Jonny May (Leicester), Jack Nowell (Exeter), Henry Slade (Exeter), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Denny Solomona (Sale), Ben Te'o (Worcester), Anthony Watson (Bath), Ben Youngs (Leicester).
Forwards: Dan Cole (Leicester), Tom Dunn (Bath), Charlie Ewels (Bath), Jamie George (Saracens), Gary Graham (Newcastle), Dylan Hartley (Northampton), James Haskell (Wasps), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Zach Mercer (Bath), Beno Obano (Bath), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Sam Simmonds (Exeter), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Harry Williams (Exeter).
