HENRY SLADE HAS been left out of England’s World Cup squad in an unexpected selection twist from head coach Steve Borthwick.
Slade has been an automatic pick in the midfield for much of the last six years, appearing in 30 of the last 37 Tests since the 2019 tournament, but has been overlooked for the 33-man group.
Instead the versatile Exeter centre has lost out to Joe Marchant, who covers wing as well as 13 and played his way into the squad after emerging from the wreckage of Saturday’s defeat by Wales with his reputation enhanced.
Our 33-player squad for next month's Rugby World Cup in France#RWC2023
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) August 7, 2023
The exclusion of Alex Dombrandt means that Billy Vunipola is the only specialist number eight bound for France next month.
Dombrandt started every match in the Six Nations but was unable to stamp his authority on the jersey and compounded his humdrum form with an unimpressive display in Cardiff.
Vunipola is chosen despite not having played since April because of two knee surgeries and missing the entire Championship after being frozen out by Borthwick on form grounds.
Lewis Ludlam, Ben Earl and Tom Curry cover number eight and are present among a large contingent of versatile back five forwards that includes rookie Leicester duo Ollie Chessum and George Martin.
Other big names to miss out are wings Jonny May and Joe Cokanasiga, both of whom played in the World Cup four years ago.
England squad in full (19 forwards. 14 backs)
Props: Dan Cole (Leicester), Ellis Genge (Bristol), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Bevan Rodd (Sale), Kyle Sinckler (Bristol), Will Stuart (Bath)
Hookers: Theo Dan (Saracens), Jamie George (Saracens), Jack Walker (Harlequins)
Locks: Ollie Chessum (Leicester), Maro Itoje (Saracens), David Ribbans (Toulon/FRA)
Back rows: Tom Curry (Sale), Ben Earl (Saracens), Courtney Lawes (Northampton), Lewis Ludlam (Northampton), George Martin (Leicester), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Jack Willis (Toulouse/FRA)
Scrum-halves: Danny Care (Harlequins), Ben Youngs (Leicester), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester)
Out-halves: Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Sale), Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
Wings: Max Malins (Bristol), Anthony Watson (unattached), Elliot Daly (Saracens)
Centres: Ollie Lawrence (Bath), Joe Marchant (Stade Francais/FRA), Manu Tuilagi (Sale)
Full-backs: Henry Arundell (Racing 92/FRA), Freddie Steward (Leicester)
