ENGLAND COACH EDDIE Jones has called on Luther Burrell for the tour of Australia, in place of injured centre Manu Tuilagi.
Burrell – a controversial omission from England’s Rugby World Cup squad under Stuart Lancaster – impressed in England’s warm-up victory over Wales at Twickenham on Sunday, scoring his side’s first try.
Jones subsequently stated the Northampton Saints man had probably done enough to earn a spot in England’s touring party, with Tuilagi having been ruled out with a hamstring problem last week.
And Burrell, who also did not feature in England’s Grand Slam success in the Six Nations, has now been selected ahead of Ollie Devoto.
In a statement on Monday, Jones said: “It’s a great opportunity for Luther who I thought played really well on Sunday. He carried the ball well, defended with aggression and scored an excellent try.
We want players who are desperate to play for their country and are willing to make the sacrifices needed to succeed at the highest level.
“Luther’s worked hard at his game since January and we’ve seen a significant improvement to his fitness and conditioning as a result. He thoroughly deserves his place on the tour.
“It was a tough selection call. Ollie Devoto has really impressed during his recent time in the England camp. We wish him a successful tour to South Africa with the Saxons.”
The first of England’s three Tests with Australia takes place in Brisbane on June 11.
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