Overview
- Steve Borthwick assembled a 36-player group at Pennyhill Park after announcing the squad on Sunday to begin a three-day training camp ahead of Tests against Australia, Japan and New Zealand.
- Joe Marchant was recalled and captain Maro Itoje returned to the group, reflecting a blend of experienced internationals and in-form club performers in selection thinking.
- Bath hooker Kepueli Tuipulotu was preferred as the third hooker, leaving Saracens’ Theo Dan out of the 36-man group.
- Fin Smith was withdrawn from the camp with a calf injury on Monday and Gloucester fly-half Charlie Atkinson was called into the squad as immediate cover.
- Harlequins’ 33-15 win over Saracens on Sunday, which featured Fin Baxter’s successful comeback and Marcus Smith’s form, reinforced selection options and underlined how domestic performances are influencing Borthwick’s choices.