England squad for Six Nations 2023 confirmed with three high-profile omissions
England have confirmed their squad for the 2023 Six Nations with three high-profile omissions.
Steve Borthwick, who took over from Eddie Jones as head coach at the end of last year, has named a 36-strong group for the tournament that begins early next month.
The new coach has opted to jettison veterans Billy Vunipola, Jonny May and Jack Nowell for his first squad.
Number eight Vunipola and wings May and Nowell were all involved in the 27-13 defeat by South Africa that concluded the autumn and spelt the end of the Jones era.
While the trio are not part of the squad that will next week begin preparations for the opener against Scotland, there are recalls for Dan Cole and Elliot Daly.
Cole was dropped by England after the 2019 World Cup final while Daly has been frozen out since last year’s Championship despite his superb form for Saracens.
Northampton’s rookie fly-half Fin Smith is present for the first time, providing cover for Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith, while Ollie Hassell-Collins, George McGuigan, Cadan Murley and Jack Walker are the other uncapped players.
England’s first game is against Scotland on Saturday 4 February.
