Eddie Jones announces 33-man squad for autumn Tests
England coach Eddie Jones has recalled Northampton Saints flanker Tom Wood in the 33-man squad for the autumn internationals.
Wood, last played for England in October during the World Cup encounter against Uruguay in Manchester and overall he has made 42 appearances for his country. The 29-year-old's inclusion comes at the aftermath of injuries to James Haskell, Jack Clifford, Sam Jones, Mike Williams and Maro Itoje, who are out of the November Tests.
"With a number of influential players missing through injury we have two weeks to prepare a robust and resilient team to meet the challenges set for us in the Old Mutual Wealth Series," Jones said.
The squad also includes as many as six uncapped players in prop Kyle Sinckler, back-rower Nathan Hughes, second-rower Charlie Ewels, fullback Mike Haley, fly-half Alex Lozowski and centre Ben Te'o.
Apart from Wood, Bath lock Dave Attwood, Gloucester pair of Jonny May and Ben Morgan also make a comeback.
Northampton flanker Teimana Harrison also manages to find a spot in the squad despite Jones demanding more phsyicality from the 24-year-old after he was outgunned bt Will Skelton and Sekope Kepu in Australia.
Jones also confirmed that the squad will undergo one-week of training in Portugal before heading to the first Test against South Africa on 12th November.
"Our training camp in Portugal is a great opportunity to spend a week together, focus on putting our game plans in place and for new players to understand the England way," Jones said.
"We're looking forward to being back in front of a passionate Twickenham crowd and I'm confident we can prepare well and put together a matchday 23 which is full of pride, energy and commitment to give South Africa the game of their lives."
England squad:
Forwards: D Attwood (Bath), D Cole (Leicester), C Ewels (Bath), E Genge (Leicester), J George (Saracens), T Harrison (Northampton), D Hartley (Northampton), N Hughes (Wasps), J Launchbury (Wasps), C Lawes (Northampton), J Marler (Harlequins), B Morgan (Gloucester), C Robshaw (Harlequins), K Sinckler (Harlequins), T Taylor (Wasps), B Vunipola (Saracens), M Vunipola (Saracens), T Wood (Northampton).
Backs: M Brown (Harlequins), D Care (Harlequins), E Daly (Wasps), O Farrell (Saracens), G Ford (Bath), A Goode (Saracens), M Haley (Sale), J Joseph (Bath), A Lozowski (Saracens), J May (Gloucester), S Rokoduguni (Bath), H Slade (Exeter), B Te'o (Worcester), M Yarde (Harlequins), B Youngs (Leicester).
