England head coach Steve Borthwick has named an initial 36-man training squad ahead of next month’s Nations Championship campaign, including two uncapped players, Kepu Tuipulotu and Archie McParland. Both 21, the Bath hooker and Northampton Saints scrum half have progressed through England’s age-group system and have represented England A in recent seasons, marking them as promising prospects for senior international caps.

The squad, which assembled yesterday at Pennyhill Park in Bagshot, Surrey, will train until tomorrow in preparation for three upcoming Nations Championship matches. England is set to host Australia at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on November 8, followed by fixtures against Japan and New Zealand.

Tuipulotu and McParland were selected ahead of some more established options, with McParland’s delayed debut partly attributed to a leg injury sustained during Northampton Saints’ Premiership final win over Exeter Chiefs, while he also withdrew from last month’s camp due to fitness concerns. Their inclusion suggests a strategic emphasis on blooding new talent within the squad.

Experienced players returning to the squad include Ellis Genge, who was rested last month, along with Fin Baxter and Emmanuel Iyogun among the loose-head props. The back row features familiar names such as Tom Curry, Ben Curry, Ben Earl, Greg Fisiau, Tom Pearson, and Henry Pollock. Ollie Chessum, while not a regular, is noted for his versatility in covering the blindside flanker role.

Joe Marchant and Will Joseph have earned call-ups to the senior squad for the first time in three years, signaling a potential resurgence in their international careers. Meanwhile, some players remain sidelined; Benhard Janse van Rensburg continues to stand down due to concussion issues, and Chandler Cunningham-South has missed out owing to injury. Additionally, Seb Atkinson, Immanu-el Feyi-Waboso, and Guy Pepper have been named on a separate rehabilitation list.

Notably, Theo Dan and Ben Spencer, who took part in the July block of Nations Championship matches against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina, were omitted from this latest selection. The squad’s composition reflects a balance between integrating emerging talent and maintaining experienced players in preparation for a competitive international schedule.