Joe Marler could make a sensational return to Test rugby at the World Cup after being named in Eddie Jones’s 35-man tournament training squad, despite retiring from the international game last September.
Prop Marler, 28, last played for England on the tour of South Africa last summer, but stepped away from international rugby because of the gruelling schedule’s impact on his family life.
Now, having made himself available for selection, the Harlequins loose-head has been named in the training squad, which will be slimmed down to 31 in August. Danny Cipriani also makes it, as do four uncapped players: Gloucester scrum-half Willi Heinz, Northampton flanker Lewis Ludlam, Saracens hooker Jack Singleton and Bath wing Ruaridh McConnochie.
In addition to the 35 players named today, George Kruis, Mako Vunipola and Jack Nowell are all in the camp to aid their recovery from injury. Doubts over Vunipola’s fitness make Marler’s inclusion a boost for England.
Jones said: “I saw Joe during Barbarians week and he indicated that he had a desire to come back. We have since had a couple of chats and have given him the opportunity to do that. Now it is up to him to show us what he has got.”
England have already held two camps. The first featured only players who were not involved in the Premiership play-offs, while the second had no players from the finalists, Exeter and Saracens. Nine players return from those two clubs. Notable absentees include Quins full-back Mike Brown, his club-mate Alex Dombrandt, Saracens centre Alex Lozowski and Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
England, who are scheduled to play four warm-up matches before flying to Japan in early September, were due to unveil their kit today.
Forwards: D Cole (Leics), L Cowan-Dickie (Exeter), T Curry (Sale), C Ewels (Bath), E Genge (Leics), J George, M Itoje (both Saracens), J Launchbury (Wasps), C Lawes, L Ludlam (both N’hampton), J Marler (Quins), B Moon (Exeter), B Shields (Wasps), K Sinckler (Quins), J Singleton (Saracens), S Underhill (Bath), B Vunipola (Saracens), H Williams (Exeter), M Wilson (Sale).
Backs: D Cipriani (Glous), J Cokanasiga (Bath), E Daly, O Farrell (both Saracens), G Ford (Leics), P Francis (N’hampton), W Heinz (Glous), J Joseph (Bath), J May (Leics), R McConnochie (Bath), H Slade (Exeter), B Spencer (Saracens), B Te’o (unattached), M Tuilagi (Leics), A Watson (Bath), B Youngs (Leics).
