LONDON – England will be missing flanker Tom Curry for Saturday’s Six Nations final against France in Paris, a blow to coach Eddie Jones as he attempts to end the season on a strong note.
Curry strained his hamstring in England’s 32-15 home loss to Ireland on Saturday, thereby eliminating them from contention for the title heading into their match against the championship leaders.
Jones called flanker Jack Willis into the 34-man squad on Monday, despite the fact that he had not played a test since injuring his knee against Italy in last year’s competition.
France’s victory will secure the Six Nations championship and the Grand Slam for the first time since 2010, while England will lose three matches in the competition for the second year in a row.
Despite Jones’ optimistic spin on their results, this raises concerns about their preparations for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Squad:
Forwards: Alfie Barbeary, Jamie Blamire, Ollie Chessum, Nic Dolly, Alex Dombrandt, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje, Nick Isiekwe, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Joe Marler, Sam Simmonds, Kyle Sinckler, Will Stuart, Sam Underhill, Jack Willis.
Backs: Orlando Bailey, Elliot Daly, George Ford, George Furbank, Ollie Hassell-Collins, Louis Lynagh, Max Malins, Joe Marchant, Alex Mitchell, Luke Northmore, Jack Nowell, Harry Randall, Henry Slade, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Ben Youngs.
Source: Reuters
